Manitoba Launches Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign, Urges Residents to Get Both Shots
Winnipeg, MB – As Manitoba kicks off its flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara emphasizes the importance of being prepared following last year’s severe flu season, the worst in two decades. “We’re working with health experts across the province to ensure everything is in place,” Asagwara said during a news conference on Wednesday.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available Province-Wide
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now offered throughout Manitoba for everyone six months and older. These shots can be accessed at:
Medical clinics
Access centres
Vaccine clinics and pharmacies
Nursing stations
Public health facilities
Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin stressed that certain groups are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illnesses. These groups include:
People over 65
Indigenous populations
Residents of care homes
Pregnant individuals
Children aged six months to five years
People with chronic health conditions
In addition, free RSV vaccines are now being provided to adults over 60 living in long-term care facilities, a new offering introduced this year.
“One Visit, Two Shots” Campaign
The province is encouraging residents to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines in a single visit. Asagwara emphasized the shared responsibility of keeping communities safe:
“Each of us must do our part to protect the most vulnerable. That means getting vaccinated with the latest COVID-19 and flu shots.”
The Health Minister also reminded residents to stay home if sick and adhere to preventive measures such as mask-wearing and hand hygiene to limit virus spread.
Expanded Health Capacity to Handle Respiratory Illnesses
In preparation for the respiratory season, Manitoba has expanded hospital capacity:
18 new ICU beds added, bringing the total to 110
8 new pediatric ICU beds, raising the total to 21
112 acute care beds, with 70 more to be added soon
Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza, spread through aerosols when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or speak. Dr. Roussin urged residents to wear masks if they feel sick and to wash their hands frequently.
Tracking the Flu Season: What to Expect
While predicting the severity of flu season remains challenging, Roussin noted that indicators from the southern hemisphere suggest a more typical respiratory virus season this year, unlike the surge driven by Type A influenza last year. Although the flu vaccine was well-matched to the circulating strain, unvaccinated individuals accounted for most ICU admissions.
Last year’s flu vaccine uptake was only 25%, and COVID-19 vaccine uptake was around 19%, with especially low rates among children under five. “We encourage parents to vaccinate their children, particularly against influenza, which is crucial for younger age groups,” Roussin said.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation
Roussin expressed concern about the growing influence of misinformation on vaccine uptake. “Misinformation has been a longstanding challenge, but it has increased significantly since the pandemic began,” he said. He urged residents to rely on trusted healthcare providers for accurate information:
“Your healthcare provider is a great resource. Trust the professionals you already rely on for other aspects of your health.”
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Targets Dominant Variant
The updated COVID-19 vaccine now targets the KP.2 subvariant, currently the dominant strain in Manitoba and Canada. “This new vaccine offers the most effective protection against the circulating strain,” Roussin confirmed.
Source : Swifteradio.com