Manitoba announced on Wednesday, December 23, 2020, that they expect more than 15,000 residents in personal care homes will become eligible for immunization early in the new year.
The province says that as more vaccine arrives in January they anticipate that they will be able to provide about 10,000 immunizations per week during the month.
Along with the eligible senior population, health care workers who have direct contact with clients, patients and COVID-19 specimens will also become eligible for the vaccine in the new year. This includes paramedic and speciality medical transport teams, workers in child and family services or Community Living disABILITY Services group homes, home care workers, health-care workers at correctional facilities or those who work in emergency placement, family violence and homeless shelters.
The province pointed out that not everyone in the expanded categories will be immunized at the same time and eligibility will continue to be set by age brackets.
Seniors not living in care homes can expect to become part of the eligibility list in the new year as the province’s supply of vaccine increases. However, based on the projected delivery schedule of the vaccine to the province this may not happen for several months.
Today Health Canada approved the Moderna vaccine which is expected to begin shipments to Canada within days. It is not known how much or when the vaccine will make its way to Manitoba.
Three super site immunization clinics are schedule to open beginning with the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg on January 4 followed by the Keystone Centre in Brandon on January 18 and a site near the Thompson Airport on February 1.
The province also announced that early on 2021 they will be launching a new online system for booking immunization appointments in addition to the existing phone system.
© News4.ca 2020
