In the news
State of emergency expanded
The Manitoba government is extending the provincewide state of emergency to continue its efforts in reducing the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Read more
New public health orders in effect March 5
Following a request for public feedback on a variety of proposed changes to the current public health orders, the Manitoba government is moving forward to reopen some activities and services. Read more
Payments to businesses affected by COVID-19 continue
Through a third round of payments, the province will provide up to $67 million in immediate support to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profits and charities impacted by the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. This brings the total program investment to $215 million, which is $15 million above the province’s original commitment of $200 million. Read more
Vaccine related news
Manitoba delaying second dose of vaccine for new appointments
Manitoba will follow National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) guidance in terms of how long the second dose can be delayed. It could be as long as four months compared to three or four weeks that is the current guideline for timing of dose two. Real world vaccine data is showing the first dose is protective 70-80 per cent as far as two months after vaccination. Longer timelines are not readily available as the vaccine is so new. If there are signs that immunity starts to decrease after two months, the vaccine implementation task force will pivot to adopt best scientific understanding as it becomes available and apply that learning to Manitoba's COVID-19 vaccination campaign.
From other vaccines, it is seen that a delay of a dose can either have no impact or a positive impact on the immune response. Our immune system will most likely respond either the same way as with a second dose timed earlier or with a greater immune response with a delay in dose delivery.
Dr. Reimer advises the task force was adhering to manufacturer recommendations regarding second dose timing as it was unknown how long to expect the immune response to last from the first dose to second dose and it was also unknown how much immunity would be attained. She advises the task force is concerned with what happens between first and second dose and data is showing we're well protected with the first dose.
More on AstraZeneca
When it's available, AstraZeneca will be administered only to people between 18 and 64 years of age. Early data from AstraZeneca real world studies are showing efficacy on par with Pfizer.
What vaccine would you choose if offered a choice?
Clinical and real world studies have shown all vaccines currently approved in Canada to be effective in preventing COVID-19. People who are immunized are much less likely to become infected and are more likely to have less severe symptoms if they do become infected. Data on vaccines is growing all the time and they continue to be closely monitored world wide. More is known about vaccine safety than any other medical intervention in the world. The small number of reactions that occur following immunization, that may or may not be related to vaccine administration, are reported nationally. The increase in the types and overall supply of the vaccine is a good thing. Dr. Reimer advises be immunized as soon as you are eligible with the vaccine that is available to you.
Vaccine Operations
Delaying second dose should increase the speed with which Manitobans can access vaccination
The shift to delay second dose immunizations will shift vaccine operations. While there is good understanding of how much vaccine will be available to Canada in the next three months, there is not yet good understanding on when that vaccine will be shipped to Manitoba. Once that information is available, projections as to timing when people can expect to be vaccinated will be publicized.
Existing second dose appointments being respected
Appointments for second dose appointments at supersites will be respected. Current advice is for people to receive a second dose of the same product as their first dose but if information arises to suggest there is merit to mix vaccines that will be taken into consideration.
Work underway to identify chronic conditions that would warrant prioritization of access to vaccination based on health risk that COVID poses
The vaccine implementation task force is working with a large group of medical specialists to fine tune the list of medical conditions that would warrant people living with these conditions being identified as high risk and elevated in priority for vaccine eligibility. Populations of note include people who are on dialysis and those who have liver failure to the point that they now have cirrhosis. These people generally experience more severe outcomes such as hospitalization or death when infected with COVID-19 compared to the general population.
Vaccinations will become more widely accessible
Eventually Manitobans will have hundreds of options for securing a vaccine from local pharmacists, primary care providers, pop-up vaccination sites, Focused Immunization Teams and supersites. Dr. Reimer and operations lead, Johanu Botha, delivered a vaccine technical briefing today. This briefing does not reflect timing associated with the second dose delay announced today but it does include information on vaccine status and anticipated approvals of vaccines being evaluated. See their presentation
Eligible members of the public have started booking appointments for March 8 at the Selkirk supersite.
If anyone should ask you where they should go, we have posted driving directions online in an effort to reduce the number of people visiting Selkirk Regional Health Centre by mistake. The Selkirk supersite is located in the former Selkirk and District General Hospital that is further south on Easton drive. Read more
Appointments and Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is being expanded again today to include:
- 89 years of age and older (NEW: expanded from born on or before Dec. 31, 1930)
- 69 years of age and older for First Nation people (NEW: expanded from born on or before Dec. 31, 1950)
Those eligible can call (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) for an appointment. Everyone who calls is screened to ensure they meet current eligibility criteria before booking an appointment. See current eligibility criteria
Vaccine Supply and Distribution
To date, a total of 124,840 doses of vaccine have been delivered to Manitoba. This includes:
• 95,940 doses of Pfizer vaccine; and
• 28,900 doses of the Moderna vaccine.