Health Canada has issued a directive to all provinces to destroy any remaining doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine that were received before April 2nd. This order comes as the country prepares to receive a new batch of the vaccine in October.
The decision to destroy the old doses was made due to concerns over their expiry date. Health Canada has stated that the vaccine’s effectiveness may decrease after a certain period of time, and therefore, it is crucial to use the most up-to-date doses.
This directive has left many provincial health ministries in a difficult position, as they now have to quickly administer the remaining doses before they expire. Some provinces, such as Ontario and Alberta, have already announced plans to use the remaining doses in targeted clinics for those who are unable to receive other vaccines.
The new batch of AstraZeneca vaccines is expected to arrive in October, and Health Canada has assured that these doses will have a longer shelf life. However, this has caused some concern among health officials, as the country is currently facing a surge in COVID-19 cases and the need for vaccines is urgent.
Despite the challenges posed by this directive, Health Canada maintains that it is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. They have also emphasized that there are other approved vaccines available and urge Canadians to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
In the meantime, provinces are working to quickly administer the remaining doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine before they expire. Health officials are also closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to adjust their plans accordingly.
As the country continues to battle the pandemic, it is crucial for all Canadians to follow public health guidelines and get vaccinated when eligible. The arrival of the new batch of AstraZeneca vaccines in October will provide a much-needed boost in the fight against COVID-19.
