COVID-19 vaccine second doses opening to all eligible Manitobans on Friday
All Manitobans eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to book a second dose starting on Friday.
Johanu Botha, operations, logistics and planning lead of Manitoba’s Vaccine Implementation Task Force, said starting at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, second-dose eligibility will be opened up to everyone.
He said all eligible Manitobans booking appointments on Friday must book a date that is 28 days after their first dose.
Botha said now every supersite except the RBC Supersite is offering walk-ins. The number of doses available at each location for walk-in appointments will vary, he said.
"We will continue to do our best to prioritize people who need their first dose when they come for walk-ins, but second-dose people can still choose to try the walk-in option," he said.
As of Thursday, the province reported 71.9 per cent of eligible Manitobans had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 30.8 per cent had received two doses.
"Your first dose is absolutely critical to protecting you, protecting your family, and protecting the people that you come in contact with," said Dr. Joss Reimer, the medical lead of the task force.
"There are many people who face barriers in getting the vaccine, and so all of the outreach and community work is essential in order to meet the needs of these individuals."
Reimer urged those who do not face barriers but are waiting to get their first dose of the vaccine to book an appointment now.
PARENTS, CAREGIVERS NOW ABLE TO TRANSFER PFIZER APPOINTMENT TO CHILDREN
The province is also preparing for a Pfizer supply slowdown from the province, leaving only a limited number of appointments for the Pfizer vaccine available.
READ MORE: COVID-19 vaccine appointment bookings for Manitoba youth paused due to Pfizer slowdown
"Our Pfizer supply in the short term is extremely limited," Botha said. "Right now, that is the only type of vaccine approved for young people aged 12 to 17."
Botha said as an interim solution, parents and caregivers who have an upcoming Pfizer appointment can now transfer that appointment to their child.
Those who transfer a Pfizer appointment can instead book a Moderna vaccine appointment for themselves.
Reimer said for parents and children who are not able to do this, it is okay to have a slightly longer timeframe between doses.
"If your second dose happens later than 28 days, I don't want you to worry about how well it will work," she said, adding studies have shown longer delays between doses can lead to a stronger immune response.
"While we do want people to be immunized as quickly as possible, we don't want you to worry about how well that second dose will work if you do have to wait a bit longer to get it."
Anyone who would like to change their appointment can call 1-844-626-8222.
PROVINCE TO TEST EXTENDED HOURS AT RBC, LEILA SUPERSITES
Botha said the province is expected to receive hundreds of thousands of doses of the Moderna vaccine in the near future.
Because of this, Botha said the province will be testing extended hours at the RBC and Leila supersite locations on June 28. He said appointments are available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
"As we've said, nothing is off the table, so certainly extending hours further with more supply coming in is under consideration, especially if it works well and supply does arrive," he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.