Flight carrying Moderna vaccines to Alberta delayed due to mechanical issues
Posted Mar 17, 2021 7:18 pm.
Last Updated Mar 17, 2021 7:25 pm.
EDMONTON (660 NEWS) — Forty-three pharmacies in Alberta will get their Moderna doses a “few days later than expected.”
Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, said the COVID-19 vaccines was supposed to arrive in Alberta earlier this week but the plane carrying the supply was grounded outside the province due to mechanical issues.
“We are dealing with a supply chain that sometimes changes quickly without warning and we are working to get doses out as quickly as possible,” she said.
“This means that sometimes there will be minor changes when unexpected events occur.”
Hinshaw said she understands the frustration this delay is causing and ensured the vaccines will be delivered as quickly as possible once it arrives.
The exact number of doses on the plane is not known.
Vaccination distribution for phase 2A will continue Thursday with the province adding three more age groups to its eligibility list.
Starting at 8 a.m., Albertans born in 1952, 1953, 1954, or earlier, as well as indigenous people born in 1967, 1968, 1969 or earlier can book online or through 8-1-1.
Around 3,000 AstraZeneca vaccines remain available but can only be booked through Health Link at 8-1-1.
“AHS teams have redistributed the remaining doses of Covishield/AstraZeneca vaccine around the province to where they are needed. These additional appointments are now available in all zones,” AHS said in a statement Wednesday morning.
READ MORE: Is Alberta ready to ease more restrictions? Some experts say no
Those born between 1957 and 1961, and Indigenous people born between 1972 and 1976, are eligible to sign up.
Health Minister Tyler Sandro announced over Twitter that 63 per cent of Albertans over 75 have been given their first dose.
“We continue to connect with seniors groups and facilities, and we expect these numbers to continue rising in the coming weeks,” he said.
“Alberta is getting doses to Albertans as quickly as possible.”
