It has been one year since Manitobans began receiving the vaccine for COVID-19 and the province is celebrating that milestone.

“The first doses administered in Manitoba gave us all a ray of hope in the pandemic. Thank you to our front-line health care providers who were the first to be immunized and who answered the call when we needed to implement an unprecedented vaccine campaign. We’re so proud to celebrate this milestone, while continuing to encourage Manitobans to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated and practicing the fundamentals,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon.

When the vaccine was first offered to Manitobans front-line healthcare workers were given priority. Over the past year more than 83% of Manitobans have received the vaccine and more than 78% are fully vaccinated.

“The COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe and highly effective against the virus over the last year and they remain our best protection,” said Dr Joss Reimer, medical lead on Manitoba’s vaccine implementation taskforce.

Health officials continue to urge Manitobans to get vaccinated and for those who are to get a third dose as soon as it becomes available to them.

© News4.ca 2021