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Manitoba not offering third dose, says there are 'no clear signs' of benefit

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WINNIPEG -

A move by Quebec to offer an additional COVID-19 vaccine to people prompted questions about Manitoba’s plans.

There are concerns some countries and businesses may not allow people who received mixed doses to enter.

But the province’s vaccine task force is hopeful that will change.

“I do anticipate that while they’re starting with very strict and cautious eligibility that most countries and most businesses will be expanding to accept mixed schedules because a mixed schedule is being offered in many countries,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead of Manitoba’s vaccine task force.

Right now, Manitoba has no plans to offer an additional dose for travel or any other reason like Quebec.

“We can’t recommend a third dose to individuals where we know that there is a very small, but not zero risk associated with each dose of the vaccine,” Reimer said.

Reimer also said there’s no clear clinical benefit to receiving a third dose but she said the province is monitoring early data from Pfizer suggesting a third dose boosts protection against the Delta variant.

READ MORE: Pfizer claims 3rd dose 'strongly' boosts protection against Delta variant

Ryan Baxter, a University of Manitoba Masters student, received a mix of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. He also got one shot in Ontario and the second in Manitoba and is still waiting for the province to recognize his first injection.

While he has no imminent plans for international travel, he feels Canada is privileged to help those who do.

“I think we’re fortunate here in Canada that if those who’ve received AstraZeneca once or twice are supposed to receive a third dose of some kind of vaccine before travelling, I mean we’re fortunate that we have more than enough supply to do that for people,” Baxter said.

It comes on a day when some people, including international student Ramandeep Kaur, just finished getting their second dose.

Kaur got the shot at a vaccination clinic on the University of Manitoba campus.

“I feel more protected,” she said afterwards.

Task force officials said the province remains on track to hit its goal of getting one dose to 80 per cent of eligible Manitobans and two doses to 75 per cent by Labour Day.

But the province will be adjusting hours of operation at super sites in August, to focus more on vaccine delivery through clinics in the community.

“We are continuing our shift towards the focus on volume towards access and accessibility,” said Johanu Botha, the task force’s logistics and planning lead

The vaccine task force also said once the school year starts, it may look at allowing children born in 2009 who are 11 years old but turning 12 to get vaccinated.

Officials said right now they’re only vaccinating people 12 and older because that’s who’s approved to receive the vaccine.

 

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