Canada set to receive a record number of COVID-19 vaccines this week

Canada is poised to receive a record number of COVID-19 vaccine doses this week as the country looks to speed up its vaccination efforts.

The Public Health Agency of Canada says it expects more than 640,000 shots from the pharmaceutical giants this week, which would represent the largest number of deliveries in a single week.

The previous record was set last week when Pfizer and BioNTech delivered more than 400,000 doses of their vaccine following a month-long lull while they expanded a production plant in Europe.

Several provinces are now expanding their vaccination programs beyond long-term care homes and front-line health workers.

Ontario, Nova Scotia and Alberta are targeting seniors living in the community.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged provinces on Friday to get ready for the influx of vaccine doses.

Thousands of doses landed at Hamilton’s John C. Munro International Airport on Sunday night.