As more vaccine arrives in Manitoba, the province is opening pop-up clinics in rural and northern communities, and is beginning to distribute vaccine to medical clinics and pharmacies.
“The Vaccine Implementation Task Force has been working with key stakeholders to plan for vaccine distribution on a wider scale as deliveries increase,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson. “Now that we are finally receiving a regular, consistent supply of the vaccines, we’re able to expand how we deliver it to make it easier for more eligible people across the province to get vaccinated quickly.”
Pop-up COVID-19 vaccination sites are launching in rural and northern Manitoba communities, beginning next week. People who are currently eligible for the vaccine at a super site can now make an appointment at a site in a community close to them to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.
Starting March 11, appointments can be made by calling the vaccine call centre (toll-free) at 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. People are asked to have their health card ready when they call.
“When people call to make an appointment, they will be told if there is a pop-up clinic available and the call centre will work with them to find a clinic close to home,” said Johanu Botha, operations lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “We are committed to creating opportunities for people to be immunized as soon as possible, by making it convenient. Our plans for pop-up sites will continue in the weeks ahead, as long as we have supply, to bring the vaccine closer to more Manitobans.”
Clinics will be in communities for one or two days to immunize as many people as possible. The current schedule is at manitoba.ca, and updates will be posted regularly as new clinics are scheduled and appointments are available.
“I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Vaccines are safe, effective and will protect you and the people you love,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “Once people get the vaccine, it is important to continue to follow public health measures, because we do not yet know whether or not COVID-19 may still be able to spread to others even if you have been vaccinated and do not get sick.”
Botha noted the province is now piloting the distribution of the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine to medical clinics and pharmacies. A total of 18,000 doses of Covishield have been delivered to the province this week, and will be allocated to some participating pharmacies and clinics.
Individuals aged 50 to 64 and First Nations people aged 30 to 64 will be the first group eligible to receive the vaccine. People with high-risk conditions (as determined by their doctor or pharmacist) will be prioritized, along with those who meet the age criteria and meet the eligibility criteria set out by the province.
Reimer noted guidance has been developed for physicians and pharmacists who are providing the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine. To view the lists of high-risk conditions, visit manitoba.ca.
“We know those with high-risk conditions are more likely to experience serious illness related to COVID-19 requiring hospitalization or leading to death,” said Reimer. “This guidance will help physicians and pharmacists provide the vaccine to those most at risk and ensure they are protected as soon as possible.”
As the current supply of the vaccine is limited, many of the physician clinics and pharmacies will directly schedule immunizations for patients who meet eligibility criteria for this first round. Some clinics and pharmacies will accept phone calls from other eligible individuals aged 50 to 64 with one of the high-risk conditions set out by the province.
An online map has been developed to help people find out where they can access the AstraZeneca/Covishield COVID-19 vaccine including which locations are accepting phone calls to book. To view the map, visit manitoba.ca.
Reimer also noted that anyone who has already received a dose of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines must use the same product for their second dose and should not receive the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine.
“We know that people are looking forward to getting vaccinated, but I want to remind Manitobans that the amount of vaccine available is still limited at this time,” said Stefanson. “We are going to continue to refine how the vaccine is distributed and how people can access the vaccine in the coming weeks, so all Manitobans can be protected against COVID-19.”
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Manitoba, visit manitoba.ca.
