MONTREAL – Canadian health authorities yesterday announced that they are pushing back the expiration date on nearly 50,000 doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine by one month.
Health Canada in a statement said its approval to extend the shelf life of two lots of the jab from May 31 to July 1 is supported by “scientific evidence”.
“This change will ensure that provinces and territories are able to use up their existing inventory and provide Canadians access to much-needed doses of the vaccine.”
A spokesman said as of May 22, there were about 49,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in the country with an expiration date of May 31. CBC reported that most are in Ontario province.
Canadian health authorities previously approved a six-month shelf life for the jab.
But, they said they received information from the company on May 27, including “product stability and mathematical modelling data” showing that the two lots can be safely and effectively used for an extra month.
Several provinces this month announced their decision to suspend use of the AstraZeneca vaccine for people receiving their first shot, due to rare instances of blood clots.
However, Canadians who have received a first dose are able to get their scheduled second dose.
Just over 55% of the nation’s 38 million people have received one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, and 5% have received two doses.
In addition to AstraZeneca, vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson are approved for use in Canada. – AFP, May 30, 2021
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