On February 9, 2022, Manitoba public health released the following updates:
Youth ages 12 to 17
Manitoba is adopting new guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for vaccinating youth ages 12 to 17 against COVID-19 and its variants. Effective today, youth ages 12 to 17 should receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they are, or if they might be, at a high risk of severe outcomes due to medical and/or social risk factors. The third dose will be offered at least six months after the second dose. Several eligibility factors define who among this age group can get this booster:
- underlying medical conditions, which put them at increased risk;
- belonging to racialized or marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by COVID-19;
- living in shelters, group homes, and correctional facilities; and
- immunocompromised and have received three doses (so their next dose would be a fourth dose).
Neither the province nor NACI is recommending boosters for the general population of youth ages 12 to 17. Only those who meet the criteria outlined above are eligible.
Public health will continue to use Pfizer, to minimize the small risk associated with myocarditis and/or pericarditis. This inflammation of heart tissues is extremely rare and mild when it occurs after vaccination, and it almost always fully resolves without severe reaction. Preliminary safety data from the real-world use of boosters in teens showed no additional safety concerns.
If your child does not fit into the eligibility categories, but you still feel they should be immunized, please discuss your individual circumstances with your family doctor or pediatrician.
Children ages 5 to 11
Delivering the second round of vaccines to children ages five to 11 is continuing in many locations, including schools. It is recommended by Health Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and public health that the second dose be administered eight weeks following the first dose. As of today, a total of 72,194 first doses have been given to children ages five to 11, or 57.7 per cent of that age group.
All eligible Manitobans
All Manitobans eligible for their second or third doses re encouraged to get those as quickly as possible. While COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy, or urban Indigenous clinic. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria information can be found at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibility-criteria.html. To locate a vaccine clinic: Vaccine Finder
Workplaces
There are a number of ways for employers to coordinate immunizations.
- Employers with occupational health services that normally include immunization or intramuscular injections can apply to the Independent Immunization Partner (IIP) program. This allows them to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines similar to a seasonal flu campaign. Visit this page for more information and to apply.
- Employers can arrange to have vaccinations provided on site with a participating pharmacy or medical clinic. Interested employers can click here to access a map and contact information to reach out directly to make arrangements.
- Group bookings are available at vaccine supersites, which are located throughout the province. To book for groups of 10 to 99 people,contact the vaccine call centre at 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC), select your language of choice, then select 2 to book an appointment, and press 8 for groups of 10 people or more.
