N.W.T. to get fewer doses than expected this month because of Moderna vaccine delay

YELLOWKNIFE — The Northwest Territories says a delay in shipments of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to Canada means the territory will receive fewer doses than expected this month.

Health Minister Julie Green says the territory was to get 7,200 Moderna doses this week, but will receive 4,700 instead.

Green says the federal government has also told her a shipment expected in mid-February will also be reduced. 

The N.W.T.’s chief public health officer, Dr. Kami Kandola, says while the delay is disappointing, the territory’s vaccine rollout plan is flexible and changes will only be felt in the short term.

The federal government has promised enough vaccine doses for all three territories to vaccinate 75 per cent of its eligible adult population. 

To date, 12, 241 people in the N.W.T. have received first doses of the Moderna vaccine.

There are five active cases of COVID-19 in the territory, four of whom are non-resident mine workers. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2021.

The Canadian Press