Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness and support a strong public health system. Yet for many Albertans, understanding which vaccines are recommended, which are publicly funded, and how to access them can be confusing, especially for people living with chronic disease, older adults, and those facing barriers related to cost or access.

The Health Coalition of Alberta developed these resources to help patients, caregivers, health charities, and community organizations better understand how vaccines work, how decisions about vaccine approval and funding are made, etc. Our goal is to support informed decision-making, build trust, and elevate patient perspectives in vaccine policy discussions.

These resources are intended to complement, not replace, conversations with health care providers. They are designed to help patients ask informed questions, navigate the health system, and advocate for equitable access to vaccines that protect their health and well-being. Program details and eligibility may change, and individuals are encouraged to confirm current information with a health care provider or public health clinic.

Fact Sheets

A plain-language overview of what vaccines are, how they work, what they contain, and why they are safe. This fact sheet is designed to help patients and caregivers build confidence, understand common terms, and make informed decisions about vaccination.

An accessible explanation of how vaccines move from research to patient use, including the roles of
Health Canada, expert advisory committees, and provincial governments. This fact sheet helps patients understand why a vaccine can be recommended but not publicly funded, and how these decisions affect
access.

A focused resource for people living with chronic illness or weakened immune systems. This fact sheet explains why vaccines are especially important for preventing complications, how chronic disease can affect infection risk, and what patients should discuss with their health care providers.

An overview of how vaccine access and costs work in Alberta, including which vaccines are publicly funded, which may require out-of-pocket payment, and how recent policy changes — such as COVID-19 vaccine funding — affect patients. This fact sheet helps patients navigate eligibility, cost, and access
barriers.

Vaccine White Paper

This white paper provides an in-depth, patient-focused look at how vaccines are approved, funded, and accessed in Alberta and across Canada. It explores the value of vaccines for public health, barriers to adult immunization, gaps in patient involvement, and opportunities to improve equity, trust, and access — particularly for people living with chronic disease and those at higher risk of severe illness.