By David Opinko

Canada to receive first shipment of Pfizer COVID vaccines in December

Dec 7, 2020 | 10:07 AM

OTTAWA, ONT – While it still needs final approval from Health Canada, Canadians can expect to receive the first doses of COVID-19 vaccines shortly.

Minister of Public Services and Procurement Anita Anand announced Monday, following successful negotiations, the country will receive 249,000 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine this month.

“The Government of Canada continues to do everything possible to protect Canadians from COVID-19,” says Anand. “This includes securing the world’s most extensive portfolio of vaccines and taking all necessary measures to ready the country to receive doses once they are authorized for use.”

These are part of the up-to-76-million doses Canada has secured through its existing agreement with the pharmaceutical company.

Last week, Alberta Health Services said the province would start receiving COVID-19 vaccines on January 4.

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Pfizer, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the provinces and territories are still working on preparations for how it will be distributed.

“We continue to prepare for distribution with provinces and territories, as experts and scientists of the government of Canada are assessing the safety of COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Canadians can be confident that when a vaccine is ready, Canada will be ready,” says Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu.

Logistical tests are being performed this week including how the vaccines will be delivered since they have to be transported and stored at -70 degrees Celsius.