The provincial government announced on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, that they are doubling the order of high-dose influenza vaccine and expanding the criteria for who can receive it.

The high-dose vaccine is formulated for people 65 and older. People living in long-term care facilities, clients in interim or transitional care beds, respite care clients or unimmunized residents admitted to a long-term care homes during the flu season have been able to access this version of the flu vaccine in the past .

This influenza season the province is expanding who qualifies to receive the high-dose.  Residents of supportive and assisted living housing, those newly incarcerated or transferred from other federal or out-of-province correctional facilities, those receiving home care services while on a waiting list for admission into a long-term care facility, people living on a First Nation or in remote communities and living north of the 53rd parallel of latitude are all eligible for the high-dose vaccine.

“The flu season is always challenging, but COVID-19 will make it even more difficult. That’s why our government is taking every precaution to help keep Manitobans safe,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen. “By doubling our order of high-dose influenza vaccine and making it available to more people at high risk of contracting the flu, we are able to protect them, as well as our health-care providers on the front line.”

The high-dose vaccine should start arriving in the province towards the end of September. Manitoba will order up to 21,500 doses of the high-dose vaccine during the 2020-21 influenza season.

© News4.ca 2020