Manitoba continues to make progress in the largest immunization campaign in the province’s history, as more than 500,000 doses have been administered and more than 40 per cent of people aged 18 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Our vaccination rollout has come a long way. Half a million doses is a significant milestone we can all celebrate,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson. “This is a total team effort from eligible Manitobans participating to our immunizers, navigators, planning teams and those who volunteer at our super sites. We’re moving forward because of this dedicated approach.”
To date, a total of 510,022 first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. This represents 40.1 per cent of all adults in Manitoba aged 18 or older.
“This milestone is one of many we will accomplish as we work to protect not only ourselves, but those around us,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “Working together, we can help reduce the risk and the spread of COVID-19. A single immunization is the beginning to thousands of others.”
There are currently six super sites operating in Winnipeg, Selkirk, Brandon, Morden and Thompson, with others scheduled to open in Dauphin, Steinbach and Gimli later this month. Five urban Indigenous clinics have also begun providing immunizations, providing better access to people who might otherwise face barriers. Vaccines have also been delivered to personal care homes and congregate living facilities by focused immunization teams and pop-up clinics continue to be offered in communities and First Nations across the province.
“Our channels of distribution continue to be fine-tuned to best serve and protect Manitobans,” said Johanu Botha, operations lead of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “More super sites will be opening in the near future, in addition to the existing clinics and visits by our Focused Immunization Teams. This is the largest immunization program in the history of our province, and our strategy and tactics are ever changing as more vaccine supply comes to us via the federal government.”
Earlier today, the Manitoba government announced expanded vaccine eligibility to adults aged 45 or older. In response to authorization of the Pfizer vaccine to children aged 12 and up, the province has committed to a plan that will make first-dose appointments available to all eligible people by May 21.
To learn more about Manitoba’s vaccine campaign, to read stories about people who have chosen or committed to be immunized, or to sign up to be notified when it is your turn, visit protectmb.ca.
