Health Canada Approved A 2nd COVID-19 Vaccine But Legault Says The 'Battle Is Not Yet Won'

Health Canada has approved a second COVID-19 vaccine for use across the country. The Moderna vaccine was authorized on December 23, following the authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on December 9. 

Quebec Premier François Legault reacted on Twitter, saying, "This is good news, and will allow us to vaccinate more Quebecers in the coming weeks."  

Editor's Choice: Quebec Broke Another Single-Day Record For New COVID-19 Cases

2 COVID-19 vaccines authorized by Health Canada as of December 23

Vaccinations have started rolling out at 21 Quebec locations, with the province expecting to vaccinate 650,000 people by April 1.

But Legault was also sure to emphasize that "the battle is not yet won" for Quebecers.  

"Let's continue to follow the health rules to help our health care workers," he said, echoing Health Minister Christian Dubé's recent warnings that hospitals in the province are nearing overcapacity for COVID-19 patients. 

Quebec has also been breaking single-day records for new COVID-19 cases, surpassing 2,000 new cases per day for the past five days.  

Moderna's vaccine has similarities and differences to the Pfizer-BioNTech one.

Both are mRNA vaccines requiring two doses. Both are over 90% effective.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be stored in extremely cold temperatures of -80°C to -60°C, while Moderna's vaccine requires fridge-like temperatures of 2° to 8°C.

The Moderna vaccine has been approved for those 18 and older and Pfizer-BioNTech has been approved for those 16 and older, though clinical trials for children are underway in both cases. 

Canada is guaranteed 40 million doses of the Moderna vaccine. It can access 168,000 doses this month.

This article's cover image is used for illustrative purposes only.