The Manitoba government is providing an overview of its plans for using the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and a forecast of inventory levels in the weeks and months ahead. A more accurate picture can be provided now that shipments of vaccine are more predictable and the first super site has launched.

To date, Manitoba has received a total of 22,230 doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which includes approximately 7,000 doses delivered yesterday. As of this morning, 5,165 people have been immunized using the Pfizer vaccine. There are currently about 17,000 doses of Pfizer in the province, which will be used for the remainder of this week’s immunizations (5,250) as well as the 6,650 appointments for first- and second-dose immunizations that will be scheduled at the super site next week.

In the early stages of the immunization campaign, the province retained a higher number of doses to create a buffer in case the next shipments did not arrive as expected, as there has been variability in shipments to date. Supplies were also set aside to launch the first clinic and the super site at RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. At this stage of the immunization campaign, more vaccine can now be used more quickly.

Every week, Manitoba expects a shipment of Pfizer vaccine, but the date of arrival is not confirmed in advance so the province must continue to retain some supply to account for a late delivery the following week. Next week’s delivery is expected to be approximately 9,360 doses.

Doses will continue to be held for first and second appointments that are made. The province will also allocate doses from current supplies to ensure they are available for the openings of the next super sites in Brandon and Thompson in the coming weeks.

Through this process, Manitoba will deliver every dose to eligible Manitobans as quickly as possible. Manitoba expects approximately two per cent of its population to be vaccinated by the end of January and four per cent by the end of February. However, by increasing the number of immunizers working in super sites, the province can accelerate the pace of vaccination on a very efficient basis to meet any future increases in supply from federal allocations, or as additional vaccines are approved for use in Canada.

Manitoba has increased the scope of eligible immunizers and a micro-credential at Red River College provides necessary training to eligible vaccinators. Manitoba continues to hire more staff for its vaccination super sites and all available positions are posted at manitoba.ca.

Additional information about Manitoba’s plans for the Moderna vaccine will be provided in the coming weeks. The province’s first shipment of 7,300 doses has been allocated to immunize First Nations communities and personal care home residents.

Yesterday, a total of 871 people received the COVID-19 vaccine at the immunization super site at RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. The people immunized against COVID-19 to date include:

  • 3,938 from the Winnipeg health region;
  • 534 from the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region;
  • 398 from the Interlake-Eastern health region;
  • 214 from Prairie Mountain Health; and
  • 23 from the Northern health region.

All of the approximately 6,100 first-dose appointments for this week are now booked. Appointments for second-dose immunizations also begin today.

Another 5,400 first-dose appointments are now available next week from Jan. 11 to 17 for eligible Manitobans. The phone line is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily until all spaces are filled. Individuals should not call to make an appointment unless they meet the eligibility criteria.

There are no changes to the eligibility criteria for immunization today. However, additional clarification is being provided on current criteria, which include health care workers who have direct contact with patients and:

  • work in critical care units (intensive care units only, no age restrictions);
  • work in long-term care facilities, born on or before Dec. 31, 1975;
  • work in acute care facilities, born on or before Dec. 31, 1975;
  • assigned to a COVID-19 immunization clinic or designated COVID-19 testing site (no age restrictions);
  • work in a laboratory handling COVID-19 specimens (no age restrictions and may include some individuals who do not have direct contact with patients, based on their role);
  • work on a designated COVID-19 hospital ward (no age restrictions); and
  • work in provincial or federal correctional facilities (no age restrictions).

Designated COVID-19 hospital wards include:

  • Bethesda Hospital – Rehab;
  • Boundary Trails Health Centre – Medicine;
  • Brandon Regional Hospital – 500 West;
  • Grace Hospital – Medicine – 5S;
  • Grace Hospital – Medicine – 5N;
  • Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg – Surgery – GD2;
  • Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg – Surgery – GD3;
  • Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg – Mental Health – PY1S;
  • Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg – Mental Health – PY3S;
  • Portage District General Hospital – Medicine;
  • St. Boniface Hospital – Medicine – E6;
  • St. Boniface Hospital – Surgery – AGY-6;
  • Selkirk Regional Health Centre – Medicine – second floor; and
  • Victoria General Hospital – Medicine – 5North.

People with appointments are reminded to enter through the main doors on York Avenue at the RBC Convention Centre. Indoor parking will be free for clients who present their parking ticket for validation when they check in for their appointment. To limit crowding and keep an even flow of immunizations, people are asked not to show up any more than 15 minutes before their appointment time.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at manitoba.ca.