As of March 27, more than 10 per cent of Manitobans aged 18 and older have received the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the largest immunization campaign in the province’s history, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced.
“The Vaccination Implementation Task Force has worked tirelessly for months to get needles into arms, and it’s so encouraging to see their hard work means more and more Manitobans are protecting each other from COVID-19,” said Stefanson. “I want to thank everyone who’s had a part in helping us reach this milestone, from planning to delivering services on the front line to help protect people right across the province.”
In the last four months, more than 163,000 doses of three different COVID-19 vaccines have been provided to people across the province.
“Working with key stakeholders and health providers, as well as the leadership of our First Nations partners, we are continuing to expand our vaccine infrastructure as more doses of vaccine arrive,” said Johanu Botha, operations lead of the Vaccination Implementation Task Force. “In the coming weeks, we expect thousands more Manitobans will receive the vaccine and we look forward to protecting as many Manitobans as possible, as soon as possible.”
Since the first pilot vaccine site was opened in Winnipeg in December 2020, five super sites have opened across the province. Thousands of eligible and consenting residents of personal care homes have received both doses of vaccine. As of March 25, focused immunization teams have visited more than 380 congregate living sites and provided more than 11,000 first doses to residents.
Pop-up sites continue to operate throughout the province, with additional clinics scheduled in the coming weeks. In addition, 18,000 doses of the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine have been distributed to medical clinics and pharmacies for those with specific high-risk medical conditions.
“This milestone sends a hopeful message to those waiting their turn to be vaccinated, that their turn will be coming soon,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for the Vaccination Implementation Task Force. “I want to encourage Manitobans to make their appointments once they are eligible, as well as continue to follow the fundamentals to ensure we protect others and reduce the risk of transmitting the virus.”
Individuals can sign up to be notified when it’s their turn to be immunized and find more information on Manitoba’s vaccine program at: https://protectmb.ca.
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