Winnipeg, MB \u2013 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\u2019re working with health experts across the province to ensure everything is in place,” Asagwara said during a news conference on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available Province-Wide<\/p>\n
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now offered throughout Manitoba for everyone six months and older. These shots can be accessed at:<\/p>\n
Medical clinics<\/p>\n
Access centres<\/p>\n
Vaccine clinics and pharmacies<\/p>\n
Nursing stations<\/p>\n
Public health facilities<\/p>\n
Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin stressed that certain groups are at higher risk of complications from respiratory illnesses. These groups include:<\/p>\n
People over 65<\/p>\n
Indigenous populations<\/p>\n
Residents of care homes<\/p>\n
Pregnant individuals<\/p>\n
Children aged six months to five years<\/p>\n
People with chronic health conditions<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“One Visit, Two Shots” Campaign<\/p>\n
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:
\n“Each of us must do our part to protect the most vulnerable. That means getting vaccinated with the latest COVID-19 and flu shots.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Expanded Health Capacity to Handle Respiratory Illnesses<\/p>\n
In preparation for the respiratory season, Manitoba has expanded hospital capacity:<\/p>\n
18 new ICU beds added, bringing the total to 110<\/p>\n
8 new pediatric ICU beds, raising the total to 21<\/p>\n
112 acute care beds, with 70 more to be added soon<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Tracking the Flu Season: What to Expect<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Last year\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation<\/p>\n
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:
\n“Your healthcare provider is a great resource. Trust the professionals you already rely on for other aspects of your health.”<\/p>\n
Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Targets Dominant Variant<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Source : Swifteradio.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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