COVID-19 Bulletin #591

March 20, 2023

Manitoba Health advises that individuals at the highest risk of serious COVID-19 outcomes may now receive a spring COVID-19 bivalent booster.

Following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, individuals in the following groups are eligible:

• adults aged 65 and older;
• Indigenous people age 45 and older including First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, regardless of place of residence;
• residents of long-term care or assisted living facilities; and
• adults aged 18 and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

It is recommended that individuals wait six months between booster doses, as this provides the best immune response. It is also recommended that individuals wait six months between a COVID-19 infection and receiving a vaccine dose. However, at minimum, individuals need to have recovered from the infection.

Eligible people are advised to discuss the timing of spring boosters with a health-care provider. This is because Manitoba Health is anticipating a fall 2023 COVID-19 booster campaign. Getting a dose in the spring could affect when an individual would be eligible to receive a booster dose in the fall.

Additionally, Manitoba Health continues to encourage Manitobans to get a COVID-19 booster dose if they did not receive one as part of the fall 2022 booster campaign.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available from medical clinics, pharmacies and many other locations. To find a convenient location, use the online tool at: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine.html#finder. Vaccine appointments can be made at many locations by calling the vaccine call centre at 1-844-626-8222 or through the online portal at: https://patient.petal-health.com/login?groupId=6032. Walk-in vaccinations are also available at many locations.

As of March 4, nearly 78 per cent of all Manitobans have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and about 20 per cent of Manitobans have had at least one dose of a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. For more information about immunization and COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/surveillance/influenza/index.html.

Additional Resources:

• COVID-19 in Manitoba: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/
• Vaccine campaign: https://protectmb.ca/ and https://manitoba.ca/vaccine
• Testing information: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/index.html

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.

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