Canada reached a critical milestone in its fight against COVID-19 today.
Health Canada has approved the first COVID-19 vaccine.
They have determined that the Pfizer-BioNTech immunization meets the requirements for use in Canada.
Initial indications show this vaccine is for use in those aged 16 and old.
The companies are running further clinical trials on children, and a revision could be made in the future.
Health Canada advisor Supriya Sharma is assuring Canadians the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been thoroughly tested for its safety.
“When we do an authorization it means we’ve looked at it and the benefits outweigh the potential risks, but it is still a drug…and there are potential risk even if they’re rare so that’s why it’s important we continue to monitor it,” stresses the health official.