New program brings Pfizer vaccines to Toronto and Peel pharmacies

Ontario is starting a pilot program this week to administer Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at pharmacies in hotspot areas.

The province provided details about the program in a vaccine strategy update on Thursday, saying the pilot will run at eight pharmacies in Toronto and Peel.

Starting April 30, individuals 55 and over can use pharmacy booking systems to secure a Pfizer dose.

Each pharmacy will receive approximately 150 doses per week during the three-week pilot.

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After officials evaluate the program’s success, they hope to expand it to more locations later in May.

Until now, pharmacies have only been administering AstraZeneca vaccines because the Pfizer vaccine requires deep-freeze storage, and doses must be kept in a regular freezer until shortly before injection.

Starting Friday, Ontario is also opening up eligibility at mass immunization clinics to anyone 55 or over. Those appointments can be booked via the province’s booking system.