Health Canada Approves First COVID Vaccine
Health Canada has approved the new Pfizer vaccine for COVID-19, paving the way for a broad based immunization program across Canada.
Nova Scotia announced yesterday that the first shipment from Pfizer is expected next Tuesday. Today’s federal approval will allow the province to begin immediate vaccination health care workers who are on the frontlines of COVID care.
A second vaccine, from international pharma-giant Moderna, is also expected in Nova Scotia next week, however that issue is still waiting approval from Health Canada.
Like other provinces, Nova Scotia will start with care workers then residents of long-term care homes, followed by citizens based on age with the oldest first and working down the age groups.
Dr. Robert Strang continues to emphasize the rollout will be slow and methodical. The province expects 150,000 doses delivered in small batches every week through the early months of 2021.
Since the program requires two doses per patient, less than ten percent of Nova Scotians will receive the vaccine from now through March of 2021. Dr. Strang says people will have to be patient as it will take months to reach the population.
Meanwhile. the doctor reminds all Nova Scotians that social distancing, wearing masks, and avoiding large gatherings will still be the most important defence against the virus throughout the coming year.
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