Many malls across Winnipeg will be hosting vaccine pop-ups this week.
Last week, the Province of Manitoba announced third-dose eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine, including people who are seriously immunocompromised and those needing a third dose for travel purposes. The province is finding Manitobans who are immunocompromised are ending up in the hospital with COVID-19, even if they are fully vaccinated.
On Monday, they are expanding the list even further to include all residents and staff of First Nation personal care homes. Staff are included in this initiative due to the rural nature of many First Nations, making it difficult to replace staff out sick.
"This will help to protect our most vulnerable people and contribute to the maintenance of safe staffing levels as we enter the fourth wave," Dr. Marcia Anderson, the Indigenous lead of the provincial task force says.
She says the George M Guimond Care Centre in Sagkeeng First Nation had a recent COVID-19 outbreak affecting 37 residents and staff that had three hospitalizations and two deaths, despite most people being fully vaccinated.
In October, all personal care home residents will be eligible for a third dose.
Mall pop-ups
Starting on Thursday, many indoor shopping locations will be hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
This includes Garden City Shopping Centre on 2305 McPhillips Street, near centre court and across from Rogers, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday.
The Forks Market, between the Forks Market and the canopy behind the Johnston Terminal, is hosting a pop-up on Thursday and Friday from noon to 6 p.m.
The Outlet Collection Winnipeg on 555 Sterling Lyon Parkway is hosting a clinic near the Winners entrance on Saturday between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"We have had a lot of good success in malls, finding that that is a good location where it is very convenient for people because they are already there," Dr. Joss Reimer says in a Monday press conference. "We know that any barrier can be a challenge for some people and there are many people who don't have it as a high priority but wouldn't necessarily receive the vaccine if it were super convenient for them to get it."
In total, 1,960,327 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Manitoba.