Now that life-saving vaccines are here, we’re working with the provinces and territories every day to vaccinate Canadians.

We’ve already distributed more than 1.8 million vaccine doses to the provinces and territories, and this week, we’ll be receiving about 640,000 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for distribution. With Pfizer and Moderna doses alone, we’re on track to receive up to 84 million doses for distribution by the end of September – more than enough for every Canadian who wants a vaccine.

Is the vaccine safe?

The health and safety of Canadians is our government’s top priority. We have a duty to ensure that we are promoting the best possible public health advice, including with respect to vaccines. We take this responsibility very seriously. I want to reassure you that Canada is recognized around the world for our high standards for drug and vaccine review, approvals, and monitoring systems.

Health Canada approves treatments and medicines such as vaccines in Canada, and monitors their safety and effectiveness. This is true for the COVID-19 vaccines as well. As you know, at this point in time, Health Canada has approved two vaccines for use in Canada–from Pfizer and Moderna–and we have begun the process of vaccinating Canadians.

Once a vaccine has been authorized for use in Canada, Health Canada continues to monitor its safety and effectiveness on an ongoing basis. During the pandemic, the department is also increasing both its monitoring and assessment of emerging safety issues, and collaboration and information-sharing with partners in Canada and around the world.

For more information on COVID-19 vaccines approved in Canada, as well as general information on the safety standards and monitoring, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/vaccines.html

As we continue to immunize Canadians, we need to all keep doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Let’s all stay home as much as possible, avoid all non-essential travel, wear masks, use the COVID Alert application, and follow our local public health guidelines.

Be safe!

Sherry