Another 25,350 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to arrive in Alberta next week

Dec 14 2020, 7:56 pm

Another shipment of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is on its way to Alberta.

Minister of Health Tyler Shandro announced on Monday afternoon that another 25,350 doses of the vaccine will be in the province by next week, supplementing the 3,900 doses that have already arrived.

The province plans to begin the vaccination of frontline healthcare workers starting this Wednesday.

“This welcome news brings much-needed hope to Albertans, particularly health care workers, during this incredibly trying time in the pandemic,” said Shandro in the release.

“These staff are exhausted, and I hope seeing more vaccinations are on the way will show them there’s an end in sight. Albertans can be confident this vaccine is safe and will be administered quickly and efficiently.”

The vaccine can only be administered at the site of delivery, however, meaning that Alberta’s most vulnerable residents will need to wait until the province receives the Moderna vaccine later in December, which can be more easily transported to high-risk individuals.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw noted in the press conference that, while this is a first step towards ridding Alberta of COVID-19, we must all remain vigilant in the months to come.

“I am very pleased to hear that we will be able to immunize more of our front-line health-care workers and vulnerable Albertans before the end of the year,” she said.

“But this is not the end. We must continue to follow health measures to bend the curve, and until enough of us are immunized, we must continue to be each others’ vaccine.”

Freezers capable of reaching the ultra-low temperatures required for storing the Pfizer vaccine have been installed at eight locations across Alberta, allowing for access to the now 29,000 initial doses.

Chandler WalterChandler Walter

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