Those wanting a COVID-19 immunization card will need to wait longer than expected after a boom in demand.
The physical cards Manitobans can request as proof for being fully immunized against COVID-19 are in short supply. The Province of Manitoba's COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force says there is an enormous demand for these cards, creating delays in their system.
"Due to overwhelming demand for the physical Manitoba immunization card and overall industry demand for blank cards, additional cards are on order and printing is expected to resume later in the month," they say in a statement.
Currently, Manitobans have two ways to prove they are fully vaccinated, either through an app or a physical card. If someone does not have a mobile device with a screen, they cannot prove they are fully vaccinated. This would limit their ability to attend large sporting events or indoor dining with members of other households.
Only those who have a Manitoba Health Card can get this vaccination proof, with some exceptions that the Task Force is working on.
The province says physical cards, which would have taken two weeks before the surge, will be mailed as soon as supplies are available. People can still apply for the cards.
All Manitobans are eligible for their first and second COVID-19 vaccine. To date, 75.9 per cent have received their first dose and 55.2per cent their second.
The province is increasing super centre operating hours, which include walk-ins at all super centres excluding the RBC Convention Centre, from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. On Wednesday, the province is holding a "Walk-InVax-A-Thon" at all supersites. This includes Pfizer vaccines earmarked for youth aged 12-17.