KAWARTHA LAKES-Premier Doug Ford’s office says provincial officials have been told two upcoming shipments of the AstraZeneca Coronavirus vaccine will be delayed.
“As we look to expand our rollout of AstraZeneca to younger age groups and into more pharmacies, any delays to vaccine shipments would be devastating for Ontario right now as we battle the third wave of this pandemic.”
The shipments were expected this month and next. On Sunday the province announced it would be expanding eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine to include those aged 40 and older.
“While we seek to confirm this information, the Premier is redoubling his efforts to secure more vaccines by directly reaching out to our international allies for any available supply.” said a statement from Premier Ford’s office.
“As part of that outreach, he has already spoken with Canada’s ambassador to Denmark and the Consulate General of the United States, both of whom are advancing our request to purchase any additional supply of AstraZeneca to their respective administrations. Our officials have already reached out to Norway’s ambassador, and the Premier will be speaking to the EU ambassador to Canada as well as the High Commissioner of India later today to ask for any extra AstraZeneca vaccines.” the statement continued.
It’s unclear how many doses will be delayed or when they are expected to be delivered.