Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced that no vaccine appointments have been cancelled in Manitoba following news that upcoming Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine delivery schedules will be delayed across the country.
“Every Manitoban who has made an appointment to be immunized will still be able to do so, whether it’s their first or second dose,” Stefanson said. “We are now seeing the benefits of our initial planning and the precautions we took, as the federally-sourced vaccine supply remains unpredictable. I want to thank the Vaccine Implementation Task Force for the strategic work that has been done to develop and implement this unprecedented campaign. We have not taken unnecessary risks by over-extending or assuming future supply and as a result, will not have to deal with mass cancellations or confusion.”
Like all jurisdictions across Canada, today Manitoba learned its Pfizer vaccine shipments from the federal government would be delayed. Due to this uncertainty, no new appointments will be made at this time. The delayed shipment means the second super-site in Brandon will significantly scale back operations shortly after opening on Monday, Jan. 18 and the Thompson Vaxport will not open as soon as expected.
Based on the latest delivery schedules received from the federal government today, appointments that have already been booked will continue, ensuring second doses are also administered within the window set out by the manufacturer. The province’s plan to immunize all residents of personal care homes by Feb. 8 is also unaffected.
“By carefully managing our immunization campaign, we have minimized disruptions for people today and will build on that solid foundation to protect Manitobans with the COVID-19 vaccine in the weeks and months ahead,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for Manitoba’s Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “These delays are disappointing. However, we will be ready to immunize every Manitoban who wants the vaccine in the coming months, as soon as supplies resume.”
Manitoba’s Vaccine Implementation Task Force is already working with stakeholders and the health system to review the impact of delayed shipment schedules from Canada, and will provide further updates when they are available.
For more information about Manitoba’s COVID-19 immunization campaign, visit manitoba.ca.
