The first shipment of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines arrived at the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC) this morning (Monday).
The vaccine has been approved by Health Canada and has already been administered to 3,644 people in the Lower Mainland.
“It is safe, effective and will save lives,” said Northern Health Spokesperson, Eryn Collins, “vaccines do more than protect the people being immunized, they also protect everyone around them.”
Northern Health will be distributing the vaccine in accordance with the priority vaccine groups determined by the Ministry of Health, beginning with:
- High-risk health care workers
- Long-term care and assisted living residents
The first vaccinations in PG will be administered early this week and more information on the first person to receive the vaccine in the North will be released soon.
“As more vaccines are approved by Health Canada and shipment volumes ramp up, more communities and more groups of people will receive the COVID-19 vaccine,” added Collins.
The Health authority expects everyone in Northern BC who wishes to receive the vaccine will have it by the end of 2021.
All COVID-19 vaccines will be free to everyone in BC.
“We expect vaccines from another manufacturer, Moderna, to be available in the New Year,” added Collins.
Approval for the Moderna vaccine is pending with Health Canada.