Health Canada approved Moderna's vaccination this morning, Dec. 23, and shipments are expected to arrive within 48 hours.

Canada is set to receive up to 168,000 doses by the end of the month, with Saskatchewan receiving 4,900 of those.

Unlike the other vaccine approved by Health Canda, from biotech company Pfizer, the Moderna vaccine does not need to be kept at the ultra-low temperature of -70 degrees. This means that it will be much easier to store and ship the shot to rural and remote parts of the province.

“The approval of the Moderna vaccine means more high-risk Saskatchewan residents will be able to be immunized against COVID-19,” Health Minister Paul Merriman said.  “This vaccine allows us to continue with our Phase 1 plans to target residents where they are living and working, whether in long term care and personal care homes, in northern and remote communities and in health care staff outside our major centres.”

Phase 1 of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine Delivery Plan focuses on immunizing priority populations who are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus as well as those more at risk of serious illness.  Moderna vaccinations will target long term care and personal care home residents and staff; front-line health care workers most at risk for COVID-19 exposure; residents 80 years and older; and all residents 50 years and older living in northern and remote communities, as supply allows.

Meanwhile, Pfizer vaccinations for COVID-19 are well underway in the province according to Health Minister Paul Merriman.

1,519 vaccinations have been administered at the Regina General Hospital and Saskatoon has already received 3,900 doses for health care workers with Prince Albert is expected to get 3,900 doses by January 4th.