The province is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to include all adults who live or work in the Northern Regional Health Authority and expanding community-based eligibility to Seven Oaks West in Winnipeg.

“We must continue to expand our vaccine campaign to reach those who are most at risk,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson. “Beginning today, all adults who live and work in the north and in Seven Oaks West are eligible. This recognizes the increased risks facing people in the north, particularly as variants of concern become more prevalent in Manitoba. Getting the vaccine will help people protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities.”

All adults who live in the Northern Regional Health Authority are now eligible to make a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Anyone who regularly works in the region, in any role, is also eligible. People aged 18 or older in Churchill were already eligible for immunization under the community prioritization index.

Community-based eligibility is also expanding to include individuals aged 18 or older who live in the Seven Oaks West neighbourhood as well as adults who work in that community in these roles:

  • kindergarten to Grade 12 schools;
  • as a child-care provider;
  • in a food-processing facility;
  • in a grocery or convenience store;
  • at a gas station;
  • as a public health inspector or workplace safety and health officer; or
  • anywhere that serves food (e.g. restaurants or food banks).

“The vaccine is one way we can slow the spread of this virus and control the third wave of COVID-19,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “We are seeing that everyone, including younger people, is experiencing more severe outcomes from COVID and it is important that we adjust our eligibility criteria to reflect what we know, so we can protect those at risk. More than one-third of Manitobans have been immunized, and I’d encourage everyone to do the same as soon as they are eligible.”

Beginning at 11:45 a.m. today, individuals can make their appointments by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or visiting protectmb.ca.

A map and other information about community-based eligibility is available at manitoba.ca.

For more information about Manitoba’s immunization campaign, visit protectmb.ca.