Manitoba is expanding eligibility for second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Manitobans who got their first dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccine on or before March 29 can start booking their second shot as of 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, officials say.
Johanu Botha, co-lead of Manitoba’s vaccine implementation taskforce, said health officials will reach out to those they have contact information for, who qualify, but appointments can also be made by by calling 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or visiting the province’s website.
Botha said those making appointments need to know which vaccine they first received, and the date the dose was given. Personal vaccine information can be found on Shared Health’s website or by calling the local public health office.
Health officials have previously said they expect to announce new second-dose eligibility on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
“We’ll continue to regularly expand second-dose eligibility based on supply and based on the clinical guidelines set out by (vaccine taskforce lead) Dr. (Joss) Reimer, and the medical team,” Botha said.
As of Monday, all Indigenous people in Manitoba have been eligible to book their second doses, as have Manitobans with certain health conditions.
Reimer said for the most part, those who have received their second dose of vaccine will not need to self-isolate if they are a close-contact of a COVID-19 case, provided it’s been at least two weeks since they’ve received their second jab and they aren’t showing symptoms.
“Getting two doses provides the fullest protection possible against COVID-19,” she said, adding the final decision on self-isolation requirements for fully-vaccinated Manitobans will be made by public health officials.
“This is another great reason to book your second dose as soon as you are eligible.”
