Significant progress has been made in the battle against COVID-19, as Manitoba has hit the milestone of 200,000 doses of vaccine administered.
“Every day, thousands of Manitobans are protecting themselves and the people they love by choosing to get the vaccine,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced. “This is an incredible team effort, beginning with the public and extending to the dedicated people who are working at the various super sites, pop-up clinics and Focused Immunization Teams, along with all of our partners.”
There are currently five super sites operating in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Brandon, Morden and Thompson, with plans underway for more locations to open in the weeks ahead. Thousands of eligible and consenting residents of personal care homes have received both doses of vaccine.
“This milestone we achieved today is one of many we still hope to achieve thanks to the work of key stakeholders, health providers, as well as the leadership of our First Nations partners,” said Johanu Botha, operations lead of the Vaccination Implementation Task Force. “We still have much work ahead of us and remain focused on putting thousands of needles in arms in the biggest immunization campaign in our history.”
Currently, there are four vaccines that have been authorized for use by Health Canada. Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca/Covishield are currently being administered but the single-dose vaccine Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) is not yet available.
“For people still waiting to get their vaccination, your turn will come soon,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for the Vaccination Implementation Task Force. “Vaccines are safe, effective and the best way for us to get back to the things we love. When it is your turn, make your appointment and be immunized as soon as possible.”
Individuals can sign up to be notified when it is their turn to be immunized and find more information on Manitoba’s vaccine program at protectmb.ca.
