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Its a matter of supply versus demand.
While Torontos nine mass immunization clinics are capable of administering over 122,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine per week, the city right now is only delivering half of that thanks to shortfalls in supplies.
On Wednesday, Emergency Management Head Matthew Pegg said Toronto continues to be challenged by supply shortfalls, and that the city operates on a just-in-time ordering system to keep its clinics stocked.
We only order the actual number of doses of Pfizer vaccine that are required for clinic operations each week, Pegg said, explaining that the city doesnt stockpile vaccines in freezers.
Any unallocated doses of Pfizer vaccine that are not used in city-operated clinics as a result of missed or cancelled appointments, are provided directly to our Team Toronto hospital and healthcare partners.
Business continues to be brisk at these clinics, Pegg said with a new block of appointments expected to open next week.
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Vaccines used by hospital-run clinics are ordered and procured directly from the province, Pegg said with any delays at the mercy of Modernas supply chain.
It is our understanding that the shipment of Moderna vaccine originally scheduled to arrive on April 19 is now expected to arrive on April 29, he said.
AstraZeneca vaccines used by city pharmacies are under similar constraints.
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Vaccine supply for Toronto is presenting a challenge, said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Torontos medical officer of health.
The volumes we need are arriving at a slower and less predictable rate than we had expected, impacting clinics across the system.
Toronto reported 1,332 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, with 730 people in hospital and eight deaths.
bpassifiume@postmedia.comOn Twitter: @bryanpassifiume