Canadians seeking COVID-19 vaccinations at local pharmacies may encounter challenges as Pfizer Canada has imposed temporary restrictions on orders of one of its COVID vaccines at community pharmacies. The limitation applies specifically to the pre-filled syringe in the 0.3-millilitre dose during the current respiratory infection season, as noted by Sophie Morin, Pfizer Canada’s senior manager of external communications in an email to CBC News. However, consumers can still access multi-dose options offered in previous seasons.
Providers have the option to utilize single-dose vials, which offer more flexibility in ordering, distributing, and administering vaccines, particularly in rural areas. On the other hand, multi-dose vials may have lower packaging and storage costs. Despite the restriction, Pfizer’s pack of 10 single-dose pre-filled syringes remains accessible to distributors.
In hospital and long-term care settings, supplies are typically received through public vaccination programs as confirmed by both Pfizer and Ontario’s ministry of health. The ministry spokesperson affirmed that Ontario maintains a sufficient vaccine supply available for ordering and delivery across the province to safeguard Ontario families during this respiratory illness season.
Pharmacists in Calgary recently reported creating waitlists for COVID-19 vaccinations due to stock unavailability. Meanwhile, Moderna Canada continues its scheduled delivery of COVID-19 vaccine doses to provinces and territories nationwide. The allocation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for the public market are managed by provincial and territorial health authorities.