It’s late August, there’s a hurricane coming up the East Coast, schools are starting to open, and no one has any idea who can get an updated Covid-19 shot. The Covid-19 pandemic is over, but the virus persists.

With Halloween shops opening and pumpkin spice in the air, it’s also time to think about getting a new COVID-19 vaccine for the fall. Health Canada announced it has approved a new vaccine made by Pfizer Canada and BioNTech for the fall of 2025.

In the fall, the COVID-19 vaccine program will roll out in phases, beginning with free vaccine to the highest-risk groups, like seniors in supportive living or those with underlying medical conditions, before gradually expanding to Albertans who will have to pay.