Third Doses

Manitoba is expanding its recommendations on third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine today to include:

  • individuals who have only received a viral vector vaccine, such as two doses of AstraZeneca or a single dose of the Janssen vaccine; and
  • health-care personnel who have direct contact with patients, residents or clients.

There are about 6,800 people who have received only viral vector vaccines. These individuals can be immunized without a prescription at any vaccine clinic or participating medical clinic or pharmacy with an mRNA vaccine. This dose must be given at least six months after their last vaccine.

The third dose is recommended for health-care personnel, including volunteers, who have direct contact with patients, residents and clients. This recommendation also includes all First Nation health-care workers, such as traditional healers and knowledge keepers. There are approximately 50,000 health-care workers in Manitoba.

Health-care personnel can receive their third dose at any clinic or site where the COVID vaccine is offered including available occupational health clinics. It is recommended the third dose be given at least six months after their second dose, unless they meet other third-dose criteria, and a prescription is not required. Receiving a third dose is voluntary and health-care personnel who do not receive a third dose are still considered to be fully immunized.

Individuals can check their dates of immunization at gov.mb.ca.

Medical Exemptions

The province has finalized the process for individuals to request a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination. Eligible medical conditions and situations are available at manitoba.ca.

Individuals who believe they meet the criteria for a medical exemption should first meet with their regular health-care provider or specialist. If the health-care provider determines the individual meets the criteria, they will be referred to a specialist for further assessment of their condition. Exemptions can only be submitted to Manitoba Health and Seniors Care by a licensed specialist. The exemption will be entered into the provincial immunization database, including whether the exemption is permanent or temporary.

Exempt people will be able to request their digital or physical Manitoba immunization card approximately seven to 14 business days after their exemption is submitted. The card and the display shown after scanning the QR code will be identical to those currently used by fully immunized people. This will help protect the private health information of exempt individuals, while also keeping a simple, consistent process for venues and events that must validate immunization status.

Vax to Win Lottery

The adult and youth winners of the second Vax to Win lottery were announced yesterday. More information is available at protectmb.ca.

Eligibility

In addition to the expansions noted above, recommendations for a third dose includes:

  • all residents and staff of First Nation personal care homes;
  • all residents of personal care homes in Manitoba;
  • people who are immunocompromised;
  • people who require a third dose to meet travel requirements at their destination; or
  • individuals who previously received doses of vaccines that are not approved by Health Canada.

Information about where third doses can be administered is online at manitoba.ca. Generally speaking, third doses can be given anywhere first or second doses are provided.

Eligibility for first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to include anyone born on or before Dec. 31, 2009.

Vaccine Administration, Supply and Distribution

Manitoba is now allowing the COVID-19 vaccine to be given at the same time as other vaccines. This change is consistent with updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and is reflected in revised guidance to Manitoba’s health-care providers, which is posted at manitoba.ca.

A total of 2,003,159 doses of vaccine have been administered in Manitoba.

Manitoba super sites are offering walk-in and appointment-based vaccinations. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC).  For hours and days of operation for super sites, pop-up clinics and other vaccine clinics, visit gov.mb.ca.

Over the next several weeks, COVID-19 immunizations are available to eligible young people at school-based clinics. For more information, visit protectmb.ca.

To date, 2,435,830 doses of vaccine have been delivered to Manitoba. This includes:

  • 1,534,950 doses of the Pfizer vaccine;
  • 808,920 doses of the Moderna vaccine; and
  • 91,960 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Additional Information

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at manitoba.ca and protectmb.ca.  For more information about COVID-19 immunization records and cards, visit manitoba.ca.