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Canada could start receiving millions of doses of the first COVID-19 vaccine as soon as January.
Actually administering the shots could still take a while longer but there's another issue.
Are Canadians willing to get the shots? Judging from the responses we got to the question in Kelowna, some people may need some persuasion.
"I'll be first in line," said one woman in downtown Kelowna today. "I trust the science."
Others aren't so sure. "I don't think it's necessary," said one middle-aged man. "I'm not worried about the virus," said another. "The virus is not going to kill me."
Still, the majority of the people we spoke to would be ready to accept the vaccine when it's available. "I'm going to talk to my doctor about it," said another Kelowna resident. "And then I'll take the vaccine that she's going to take."
According to Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliott, the country is set to get millions of doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but Health Canada still has to complete its own regulatory review.
Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu wouldn't confirm the dates but did say it was "really exciting" that Canada is well-positioned to receive millions of doses from both companies.
Distributing, providing a glimmer of hope on an otherwise dark day marked by rising cases and death counts in many provinces.
Christine Elliott said the country is set to get four million doses of the Pfizer vaccine between January and March as well as two million doses of Moderna’s vaccine.
When asked directly to confirm the dates and numbers, federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu would only say it was "really exciting" that Canada is well-positioned to receive millions of doses from both companies.
Elliot said once the vaccine is approved, people in hospitals and long-term care homes would be at the top of the priority list.
Pfizer has announced it will be seeking approval for emergency use of its vaccine after test results showed it is safe, and 95% effective.
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