Trudeau hopes to speed up Canada’s vaccination goal for September.

Canada’s COVID-19 immunization timeline could be expedited after President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. will have enough vaccines for all adults by the end of May. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his optimism, stating that Canada has reached a significant milestone this week with two million vaccines administered. He reassured Canadians that every adult seeking a vaccine will be able to receive one by the end of September.

If the vaccines Canada has contracted can be manufactured and shipped without delays, Trudeau believes that the September goal of vaccinating all adults could be moved forward. This news comes as the U.S. surpasses 51 million people who have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with over 515,000 deaths reported due to the virus.

Trudeau addressed concerns about potential disparities in vaccine distribution between Canada and the U.S., noting the significant impact the pandemic has had on America. While Canada has reported more than 22,000 deaths linked to COVID-19, Trudeau emphasized that the two countries are following scientific recommendations and moving swiftly with their immunization campaigns.

In discussions with President Biden, Trudeau emphasized the importance of global unity in combating the pandemic, stating that no country can fully recover until the virus is controlled worldwide. He also hinted at the possibility of a future agreement with the U.S. to potentially receive surplus vaccines.

Meanwhile, the White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, reiterated that President Biden’s priority remains vaccinating Americans first before distributing doses elsewhere. Psaki emphasized that the U.S. currently has more than enough vaccines to inoculate its population.

Canada lacks the domestic manufacturing capacity for COVID-19 vaccines and has secured procurement deals for up to 429 million doses from seven vaccine candidates, totaling over $1 billion. Health Canada has approved three vaccines for use and there are plans for more if other candidates are approved and deliveries are fulfilled.

Trudeau acknowledged potential delays in procurement strategies due to unforeseen challenges, such as delivery disruptions and supply-chain issues. To mitigate these risks, the federal government signed additional deals to secure supply and ensure that every Canadian has access to the vaccine.

Last week, Health Canada approved AstraZeneca’s vaccine, adding to the list of approved vaccines. An agreement was made for 20 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which can be stored at normal refrigeration temperatures, making it easier to transport than other vaccines requiring ultra-low temperatures.

Furthermore, the Canada Border Services Agency confirmed the arrival of the first 500,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, marking a significant step in Canada’s vaccination efforts. With ongoing progress and partnerships, Canada remains committed to vaccinating its population and combating the COVID-19 pandemic.