The Manitoba government is reminding Manitobans to embrace winter wellness by getting a flu vaccine as soon as possible.
“Flu cases tend to peak over the fall and winter months in Manitoba, but there are things that we can all do to protect ourselves,” said Health Minister Audrey Gordon “Winter wellness means getting your flu vaccine, while also taking time to stay active, eat healthy meals and keep connected with the people you care about. To provide the strongest protection available to protect older Manitobans, this year our government expanded the eligibility of the high-dose influenza vaccine to include all people 65 and over.”
Anyone aged six months and older is eligible for the flu vaccine. Beginning this year, the Manitoba government has also expanded eligibility for the high-dose influenza vaccine to include all people aged 65 years and older. This type of vaccine offers the strongest protection available against the flu for people who are at greater risk of severe illness, which includes older people. Previously, it was only available to older individuals who lived in remote northern communities, personal care homes or other group facilities.
“Expanding eligibility for the high-dose influenza vaccine will help people aged 65 and older in Manitoba stay healthy and active in the months ahead,” said Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston. “This is an important improvement in Manitoba’s seasonal flu campaign. Fall is a great time to commit to wellness and a healthy, virus-free winter, so I would encourage all Manitoba seniors to schedule a vaccine appointment as soon as possible.”
“Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to help reduce the spread and severity of respiratory viruses, like the flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “Public health encourages all Manitobans to be up to date on all of the vaccines you’re eligible for. You can layer on even more protection by washing your hands, staying home when you’re sick and covering your cough. These simple steps will help to keep us all healthier and protect our health-care system for those who need it most.”
The high-dose and regular flu vaccine are available at no cost. Last year, more than 400,000 doses of flu vaccine were given to people in Manitoba, or about 29 per cent of the eligible population. The Pneu-P-23 vaccine, which helps protect against pneumococcal disease, is also offered free of charge to people aged 65 and older. It can be administered at the same time as other vaccines and is often available at many of the same locations.
The flu vaccine is now widely available across the province. To find a location with the flu vaccine, use the online vaccine finder at protectmb.ca. Appointments at regional clinics can be made online or by calling 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC). People can also contact medical clinics and pharmacies directly to schedule vaccinations. Walk-ins may also be available at many locations.
The Manitoba government has updated how vaccination appointments are booked using the online booking tool or the call centre to help make it simpler going into the fall season. Individuals make a generic vaccination appointment, based on their age, and then can receive an approved COVID-19 vaccine, seasonal flu vaccine, or both at the appointment.
It is safe and effective to get a flu or pneumococcal vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. However, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has a precautionary recommendation for children aged six months to four years to leave a 14-day interval between the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines including the flu vaccine. Parents and guardians of children in this age group should speak with their health-care provider if a child is already scheduled or has received a seasonal flu or other childhood immunization before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
An advertising campaign launches this week to highlight the importance of the seasonal flu vaccine as part of overall winter wellness.
