With 18,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine about to be shipped to pharmacists and medical clinics across the province two priority lists have been established for those eligible to receive them.

Individuals 50 to 64 and First Nations people aged 30 to 64 will be the first group to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine but people with high-risk conditions will be prioritized.

“We know those with high-risk conditions are more likely to experience serious illness related to COVID-19 requiring hospitalization or leading to death,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force.. “This guidance will help physicians and pharmacists provide the vaccine to those most at risk and ensure they are protected as soon as possible.”

The province has established the following priority list for the AstraZeneca vaccine:

Priority List 1

• Individuals with the following chronic health conditions:
  • end stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis OR peritoneal dialysis
  • cirrhosis due to any cause OR portal hypertension
  • heart failure (class III/IV ), ventricular assist device OR adult congenital heart disease stage C and D
  • severe COPD, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease OR cystic fibrosis 
  • history of cerebral vascular accident with residual deficits 
  • malignant hematologic disorders including leukemia and lymphoma OR clonal blood disorder
  • malignant neoplasms (solid tissue) who will receive or are currently receiving immunosuppressive therapy including chemotherapy
  • severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40)
  • receiving one or more of the following immunosuppressive therapies: B cell therapies (e.g., rituximab, ocrelizumab), cyclophosphamide, alemtuzumab, calcineurin inhibitors, chronic dose prednisone >=20mg/day, mycophenolate, sulfasalazine and JAK inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib)
  • solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (candidate or recipient) 
  • trisomy 21 (Down syndrome)
  • asplenia or hyposplenism (including sickle cell disease) 
• Individuals receiving home care ≥ 4 times/week OR receive 24/7 support from Community Living Disability Services.
• Pregnant individuals (18 to ≤ 64 years of age) with one of: aged ≥ 35 years, BMI ≥ 30, pre-existing diabetes, pre-existing hypertension, cardiac or pulmonary disease.

Priority List 2

• Individuals with the following chronic health conditions:
  • Chronic cardiovascular disease including heart failure (class I/II), coronary artery disease, malignant tachyarrythmia OR cardiomyopathies
  • chronic liver disease 
  • chronic neurologic OR neurodevelopmental conditions including cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS OR dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease) 
  • chronic pulmonary disease including COPD OR severe and/or uncontrolled asthma
  • chronic renal disease
  • HIV (CD4 cell count ≥ 200 x 106/L and CD4 percentage ≥ 15%)
  • severe systemic autoimmune disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, myocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis)
  • type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus (poorly controlled and/or with complications)
  • active tuberculosis (current or previous) OR current latent tuberculosis (LTBI)
  • receiving immunosuppressing therapy

• Individuals receiving homecare ≤ 3 times/week OR any level of Community Living Disability Services supports (or as per family physician determination of equivalent levels of family support).
• Household contacts of individuals with Priority 1 chronic health conditions OR designated support person(s) for personal care home residents (in the authorized age category).

Those who fall into priority group one can expect to be contacted from their doctor or pharmacist to set up an appointment.

Reimer noted that anyone who has already received a first dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine must use the same product for the second dose and should not receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“We know that people are looking forward to getting vaccinated, but I want to remind Manitobans that the amount of vaccine available is still limited at this time,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson. “We are going to continue to refine how the vaccine is distributed and how people can access the vaccine in the coming weeks, so all Manitobans can be protected against COVID-19.”

“I would encourage everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they are eligible, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Vaccines are safe, effective and will protect you and the people you love,” said Reimer

The province has also released an interactive map that shows the medical clinics and pharmacies that will be getting the vaccine.

LINK | Vaccine Finder Map

© News4.ca 2021