Manitoba Health advises that a Pfizer infant vaccine was recently recommended for use in children aged six months to four years old. Most parents and caregivers who make a first vaccine appointment for a child in this age group should expect the Pfizer infant vaccine will be offered.
This vaccine is being distributed to clinics, pharmacies and vaccine sites across Manitoba and should be available as early as this week. The Pfizer infant vaccine is a three-dose series and each dose should be given at least eight weeks apart.
It is recommended that, whenever possible, children receive the same vaccine for each dose. The remaining provincial stock of the Moderna infant vaccine will be used as second doses for those who received that vaccine as a first dose. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization also strongly recommends the Moderna infant vaccine for immunocompromised children.
Appointments can continue to be made by using the online booking tool, by contacting the vaccine call centre at (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting medical clinics and pharmacies directly. Children must be at least six months of age at the time of their immunization appointment.
While not a substitute for vaccination, Manitobans are reminded that treatments are available for people who are at risk of more serious outcomes from COVID-19. Even people who are fully vaccinated may be eligible for these treatments. Higher-risk individuals who develop symptoms should contact a health-care provider or Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257. Treatment must be started within days of symptom onset, so timing is important. For more information about treatment, including eligibility and access, visit manitoba.ca.
