The news this morning from the federal government that Pfizer shipments of vaccine will be slowed in the coming weeks is very concerning. 1/5 https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/canada-will-experience-temporary-delays-with-pfizer-shipments-anand-1.5268222

Saskatchewan has been able to increase our pace of vaccinations in recent days, but our planning is based on the federal government providing a reliable weekly supply of vaccines. 2/5

The federal government has advised Saskatchewan to expect 11,700 Pfizer doses a week throughout the month of February and we have been planning our vaccine rollout based on this schedule, including second dosages. If this has changed, they need to advise us immediately. 3/5

This also raises the importance of the federal government quickly reviewing and approving additional vaccine candidates including the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is already being administered in other countries. 4/5

Health Minister Paul Merriman will be raising this urgent matter on a call with the federal and provincial ministers this morning. 5/5