Canadians seeking COVID-19 vaccinations at local pharmacies may encounter challenges, as Pfizer Canada has imposed temporary restrictions on orders for one of its COVID vaccines at community pharmacies outside of hospitals. The limitation applies specifically to the 0.3-millilitre dose pre-filled syringe due to the current respiratory infection season, as confirmed by Sophie Morin, Pfizer Canada’s senior manager of external communications. Consumers still have access to multi-dose options offered in previous seasons. While single-dose vials offer providers more flexibility in ordering, distributing, and administering vaccines, multi-dose vials come with lower packaging and storage costs. Pfizer’s pack of 10 single-dose pre-filled syringes remains accessible to distributors.
Hospital and long-term care facilities primarily receive supplies through public vaccination programs, according to both Pfizer and Ontario’s Ministry of Health. The ministry spokesperson for Ontario reassured that vaccine supply remains available for ordering and delivery throughout the province to safeguard Ontario families during the respiratory illness season.
Pharmacists in Calgary recently reported initiating waitlists for COVID-19 vaccine administration due to stock shortages. Meanwhile, Moderna Canada affirmed its commitment to delivering COVID-19 vaccine doses to provinces and territories as per the schedule. The allocation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for the public market are managed by provincial and territorial health authorities.
