Canada's COVID-19 Vaccine Spending: A Detailed Breakdown

Strategic Insights -

As the Public Health Agency of Canada gears up for a massive vaccine distribution effort, the country's spending on COVID-19 treatments and vaccines has reached unprecedented heights. With a federal budget of up to $5 billion, the Agency is working to ensure continuity of funding to match the timing of vaccine deliveries. Despite the significant allocation, the exact price paid for each vaccine dose remains shrouded in mystery, with contracts between the federal government and suppliers protected by confidentiality clauses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Health Agency of Canada expects to spend up to $5 billion on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, with $5.3 billion approved in December for vaccine purchases, research, and development.
  • $5 billion of the original funding has been shifted from the current fiscal year to 2021-22 to ensure continuity of funding and match the timing of vaccine deliveries.
  • Only 6.5 million of the over 240 million guaranteed COVID-19 vaccine doses will be delivered by the end of March.
  • The federal government has signed deals with five companies for 154 million guaranteed doses, with options to add another 108 million.
  • Additional doses from COVAX, Oxford-AstraZeneca, Medicago, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and the Serum Institute of India have been secured.
  • The exact price paid for each vaccine dose remains confidential due to contractual agreements.
  • Procurement Minister Anita Anand has stated that Canada paid a "fair-market" price for all vaccines ordered.
  • Estimates of price per dose from the US and Europe suggest a range of $3 to $40 per dose, depending on the manufacturer.

Statistics:

  • The Public Health Agency of Canada expects to spend up to $5 billion on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
  • $5.3 billion was approved in December for COVID-19 vaccine purchases, research, and development.
  • 6.5 million vaccine doses will be delivered by the end of March.
  • Over 240 million vaccine doses have been guaranteed.
  • Canada has secured doses from five companies, including options for an additional 108 million doses.
  • Over $220 million has been allocated for COVAX.

Sources:

  • The Canadian Press
  • Abbotsford News
  • Twitter posts from Belgian politician
  • United States and European government sources