A health-care worker prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccine clinic in Toronto on Jan. 7, 2021. The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette
Pfizer’s newest COVID-19 vaccine will be available in Canada this fall, which the company says is designed to target the COVID Omicron LP.8.1 strain.
The company made the announcement on Aug. 19, confirming that Health Canada has approved the new vaccine for people six months of age or older. However, the statement noted that eligibility to receive the vaccine will depend on rules in each province.
The company noted the vaccine should be stocked at most pharmacies across Canada in the coming months, though eligibility will depend on each province’s vaccination guidelines. Provincial and territorial health departments will provide further details on their rollout plans.
Although the majority of provinces provide COVID-19 vaccines free of charge, Alberta has said those who want the newest vaccine will have to pre-order and pay for it out of their own pocket. The province added that it will pay for some Albertans to get shots if they are assessed as immune-comprised, living in elderly group homes, or receive social assistance. It added that new COVID vaccines will only be available in public health clinics, not private pharmacies.
Ottawa transferred responsibility for procuring COVID vaccines to the provinces at the beginning of this year, marking the end of federal funding for the vaccines.
Health Canada did not respond to a request for comment by publication time.
