Trudeau trying to book appointment to receive AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – Federal leaders are lining up to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, as provinces lower the age of eligibility for people receiving the AstraZeneca shot.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is joining the crowds of people trying to get an AstraZeneca dose at a pharmacy.

“AstraZeneca is now available for [people aged] 40 and up. In Ontario, my office and I are busy trying to book appointments,” he said.

The deputy prime minister is also trying to book hers. Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole has an appointment for this weekend.

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All three hope to lead by example in the battle against vaccine hesitancy.

B.C., Alberta, and Manitoba have joined Ontario in lowering the AstraZeneca age of eligibility to 40. Quebec has lowered it to 45.

Meanwhile, New Brunswick has reported the third Canadian case of someone developing a rare form of blood clot after receiving this vaccine. Health Canada says the chances of that happening are four in a million and the shot is still safe for use.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization was scheduled to give an update Tuesday on its guidance for the AstraZeneca shot, but has postponed the announcement to later this week in order to validate more data.