Moderna vaccine: first doses arrive in Canada

"They are part of the 168,000 doses we will receive by the end of this month and the 40 million doses we have reserved from Moderna in total," the Prime Minister said on Twitter.

"This is another major step in the roll-out of the vaccine in Canada," Trudeau added.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to reiterate the importance of not "letting our guard down.

"The vaccine will be useless if you get sick today," he argued. Wear the mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings, and use [the application] #COVID Alert."

A second vaccine against COVID-19 was approved by Health Canada on Wednesday, allowing the country to receive a total of 1.2 million doses by the end of January.

This second vaccine is easier to transport, store and handle than Pfizer's vaccine, as it can be stored for 30 days at temperatures between 2 and 8°C.

It is important to note that both vaccines must be given in two doses. Pfizer's vaccine should be given 21 days apart and Moderna's should be given 28 days apart.