The province has announced that Manitobans with specific medical conditions can begin to book second-dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments starting May 21, 2021.

“As more vaccine is scheduled to arrive in Manitoba, we can begin to book second doses, starting with people with specific medical conditions that put them at greater risk,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson. “We are in a race against this virus, and I encourage people to book their first dose as soon as they can and the second dose as soon as they are eligible.”

At this time, only people who have the following priority conditions will be able to book a second-dose appointment by phone or online on Friday, May 21 including:

  • those receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis;
  • those with liver cirrhosis due to any cause or portal hypertension;
  • those with severe heart failure;
  • those with cancers including solid tumor and blood (leukemia/lymphoma) who will or are receiving chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab);
  • those receiving one or more of the following medications: B cell therapies (e.g., rituximab, ocrelizumab), Cyclophosphamide, Alemtuzumab, calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) , chronic dose prednisone (more than 20 mg/day), mycophenolate and JAK inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib);
  • those who have received or are on the list to receive a solid organ transplant;
  • those who have received a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy at least three months ago;
  • those with Down syndrome;
  • those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); or
  • individuals receiving home care more than four times per week or receiving 24/7 Community Living Disability Services supports (or as per family physician determination of equivalent levels of family support).

“These medical conditions put people at higher risk of severe effects of COVID-19. The third wave is here, and we need to take a seat in the vaccination clinic, roll up our sleeves, and protect ourselves and each other,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “We are in a race against the virus and against the variants, and we are seeing the devastating effects it can have on people, on our health-care system and on our health-care providers. I urge all Manitobans to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Reimer noted eligibility for second doses is expected to move quickly as vaccine shipments increase. While regular announcements will be made, people are encouraged to visit protectmb.ca often.

The minister noted the Manitoba government is also launching a public engagement campaign to understand better peoples’ personal experiences with COVID-19, their views on the vaccines and their plans to vaccinate eligible children, as well as to get feedback on the provincial vaccine program.

“Collecting this information will allow us to understand better the views of Manitobans so we can implement new plans or adjust others based on public feedback,” said Stefanson. “This will allow us to address vaccine hesitancy better by allowing us to target specific communities and help share information that will increase vaccine uptake.”

Starting today, Manitobans can fill out the survey at engagemb.ca.

For more information on Manitoba’s vaccine rollout and to view the stories of Manitobans who have chosen to be vaccinated, visit protectmb.ca.