27.98°C Vancouver

Dec 9, 2020 4:35 PM -

Health Canada approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine

Share On

Health Canada has approved the COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech, the first to be given the green light for national use.

Canada is set to receive four million doses of the Pfizer vaccine by March, including up to 249,000 doses this month, with the first shipment set to arrive next week.

The federal government has purchased 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which requires people to receive two doses each, and has the option to buy 56 million more.

Pfizer needs to store its vaccine at ultracold temperatures below -70 C and so the company is planning to ship the doses directly to provinces.

Health Canada is reviewing three other vaccine candidates, including one from Moderna, which is set to deliver two million doses to Canada in the first quarter of 2021.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that provinces and territories give their first doses to residents and staff of long-term care homes and adults 80 years of age or older.

Latest news

different-impaired-dump-truck-driver-same-company
BCJul 15, 2025

Different impaired dump truck driver, same company

A dump truck was impounded for 30-days, the driver was issued a 90-day driving prohibition and multiple violation tickets were issued after another impaired investigation involving a commercial vehicle. On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Burnaby RCMP’s designated commercial vehicle enforcement officer was driving behind a loaded dump truck travelling southbound on Boundary Road in the left lane. In a short period of time, the officer observed the commercial vehicle cross over the centre line and swerve into the right lane several times. The dump truck was also observed hitting the raised centre medi
brampton-mayor-patrick-brown-receives-death-threat
BCJul 15, 2025

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown Receives Death Threat

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown recently received a death threat. Following this, Brown and his family were also given police security. According to sources, the threat was made to the mayor’s office via email two to three weeks ago and also mentioned his wife and son. Peel Regional Police Deputy Chief Nick Milinovich said at a separate press conference that police are investigating the matter, in which the threat was made not only to the mayor but also to his family. Milinovich said that given the nature of the threat, we felt it was appropriate to provide him with police protection. Accor
peel-police-take-down-organized-crime-group-behind-home-invasions
CanadaJul 15, 2025

Project ghost: peel police take down organized crime group behind home invasions

Peel Regional Police’s Central Robbery Bureau has taken down an organized criminal network responsible for more than 15 violent home invasions involving high-end vehicle and jewellery thefts across the Greater Toronto Area. Project Ghost was initiated when a criminal network was identified to be connected to the following violent incidents: On Aug. 1, 2024, at about 2:45 a.m., three suspects attempted to break into a home on Maybeck Drive in Brampton after targeting a BMW parked in the driveway. The suspects fled in a white Acura after failing to gain entry. About 30 minutes later, the same
BCJul 15, 2025

Police seeking information on two assault investigations

Prince George RCMP is currently seeking witnesses to a pair of assaults that occurred on July 4, 2025. The initial investigation began just after 4:00 a.m. when a witness reported seeing a man get hit over the head with a baseball bat near the 100-block of George Street. When police officers attended, neither the victim nor the assailant were able to be located. “Surveillance from this initial investigation shows a man wearing a black jacket, white t-shirt and black pants get assaulted by another man wearing a black, long-sleeved shirt and jeans. We are looking to speak with anyone who m
integrated-emergency-response-team-called-in-to-assist-langley-rcmp
BCJul 15, 2025

Integrated emergency response team called in to assist Langley RCMP

On July 14, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., Langley RCMP responded to a report that a man had discharged a firearm within a residence located in the 26400 block of 29B Avenue, Langley. Due to the nature of the incident, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT) was deployed to the scene. Officers contained the area and engaged in negotiations with the suspect, resulting in a standoff that lasted several hours. While working to de-escalate the situation, the suspect discharged a firearm at the IERT Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) from inside the residence. At approx

Related News