Canada Reveals Who Would Get First Dibs On COVID-19 Vaccines When They're Approved

When there's a COVID-19 vaccine in Canada, some groups of people who are at a higher risk of getting sick would get first dibs.

During a press conference on November 6, Dr. Theresa Tam discussed what might happen here in Canada when one or multiple vaccines become available.

She said that she believes safe and effective ones will be available in the first couple of months of 2021. When they're ready, they'll be free of charge. 

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When vaccines become available, there will be a limited supply at first. Dr. Theresa Tam

Before Dr. Tam's comments, Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) gave preliminary guidance about who would be vaccinated first.

People at high risk of severe outcomes, those at high risk of spreading COVID-19, essential workers, and people who are at an elevated risk of infection because of their work or living situation would get the shot before everyone else.

"When vaccines become available, there will be a limited supply at first," Dr. Tam said.

She also noted that there is still a long road ahead to actually having one available like clinical trials being completed and Health Canada giving approvals.

"In the meantime, it is crucial that we continue to layer on individual protections that we know to be effective in keeping infection rates low," Canada's top doc said.

That includes staying home, washing your hands, wearing masks and physical distancing.