Manitoba's top doctor says COVID-19 and influenza are circulating at low levels right now in our province.
Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says we can expect increased circulation of respiratory viruses as the season moves on. He notes Manitobans can take important steps to help protect themselves, their families and their community. This should include good handwashing, coughing and sneezing into your sleeve and staying home when sick.
Manitobans are reminded the respiratory virus season is expected to put demands on the health-care system because COVID-19, the flu and other respiratory viruses can result in serious and life-threatening illness for some people. Contingency planning is ongoing in case there is a significantly increased health threat from a new variant or pathogen.
Public health officials recommend all previously immunized people aged six months and older receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall. This vaccine should be given six months since a person's last dose or infection, whichever is later. Public health also continues to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who has not been previously immunized.
Updated vaccines will be available this fall and have been formulated to provide better protection against XBB.1.5, which is an offshoot of the omicron variant. To date, Health Canada has approved an updated Moderna vaccine for those six months of age and older and is reviewing updated Pfizer and Novavax vaccines.
Public health officials also recommend all eligible people (aged six months and older) receive a seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is formulated every year to protect against the strains of flu virus expected to circulate. Manitoba also recommends the high-dose flu vaccine for all people aged 65 and older. This vaccine provides older people who are at greater risk of severe illness with a stronger immune response and better protection against infection and serious symptoms.
Our province say vaccination against COVID-19 and seasonal flu is particularly important for people at higher risk of severe outcomes including:
- adults 65 years of age or older;
- residents of long-term care homes or other congregate living settings;
- individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk;
- individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- individuals in or from First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities;
- members of racialized and other equity-deserving communities; and
- people who provide essential community services.
All individuals 65 years and older are eligible to receive one dose of pneumococcal vaccine (Pneu-P-23), regardless of risk factors or previous pneumococcal vaccination. For more information, individuals should speak with their health-care provider.
Like previous years, the first doses of flu and COVID vaccines shipped to Manitoba will be used to immunize higher-risk populations including First Nations communities, people living in personal care homes or in hospital, as well as health-care workers.
Based on vaccine approvals and deliveries, the province expects the general public may begin to access vaccines by early to mid-October. Vaccines will once again be available at many locations across the province including pharmacies, medical clinics, public health offices and immunization clinics organized by regional health authorities or in partnership with community organizations.
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