Several provinces expanding access to vaccines

Several provinces are expanding their COVID-19 vaccination campaigns as a key vaccine supplier is set to drastically ramp up deliveries this week.

With shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine expected to roughly double from about one million to two million per week, Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Nova Scotia opened access to new age groups today.

Quebec and Nova Scotia lowered the age of eligibility for vaccines, while Manitoba announced that all Indigenous adults could get a shot.

Ontario opened vaccine appointments to those 18 and over living in designated hot spots, although many residents reported difficulties in booking a spot.

The increase in supply is coming as several provinces are struggling to contain a deadly third wave of the novel coronavirus.

Alberta announced on Sunday it was suspending the spring sitting of the legislature because of record-breaking caseloads that are straining the hospital system, while Nova Scotia remains under a provincewide lockdown until at least May 12.