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Delivery of COVID-19 vaccine to Guelph delayed: public health

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is shown at a vaccine clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Guelph’s health unit says Pfizer has delayed its first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine to Guelph.

Just under 1,000 doses were expected to arrive on Monday afternoon, with vaccinations beginning immediately for long-term care and retirement home staff.

A spokesperson for public health, which also covers Dufferin and Wellington counties, said they were told by Pfizer that there was a transportation issue.

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“This is obviously a disappointment,” the medical officer of health, Dr. Nicola Mercer, said in a statement.

“While we can all recognize this is a complex logistical challenge, I share the frustration of everyone in the region at this delay.”

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Based on Pfizer’s update, public health said vaccines will arrive as late as Friday with no advance notice of arrival.

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All coronavirus vaccinations scheduled for Monday have been cancelled and appointments for roughly 500 front-line workers are being rescheduled.

“I want to assure residents of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph that Public Health remains ready to administer the vaccine as soon as it arrives,” Mercer said.

On Tuesday, public health announced the vaccines had arrived.

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