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Dr. James Talbot, the province’s former chief medical officer of health, said the government appears to be doing everything it can to make this year’s immunization campaign a “failure" by making it less available, less accessible and less affordable.

“They are basically sabotaging their own COVID campaign,” he said.

He’s among a chorus of critics warning it could lead to more hospitalizations and stress on the health-care system.

Talbot and other public health experts and physicians penned an opinion piece in the Edmonton Journal last week, arguing the plan creates unfair barriers and puts Albertans at risk.

“You’ve created this unfairness where if you’re rich, you can get protected, but if you’re poor, you may not be able to," Talbot said.

The government said it will still pay for some to get shots, including those who have compromised immune systems or are on social programs. Seniors in congregate settings will also be covered.

However, the specifics of the qualifying health conditions have not been released. It’s estimated a shot could cost $110, but the government has yet to pin down the price.