The Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to get the updated COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines as soon as possible to help protect themselves, their families and their communities during the upcoming respiratory virus season, Premier Wab Kinew announced today after receiving both vaccinations at a local pharmacy.
“Vaccines are safe and effective, and I am proud to play my part to help keep my family and our community safe,” said Kinew. “I encourage all Manitobans to stay current with their vaccinations – a simple, quick visit now can help you stay healthy and make the most of your time with family and friends throughout the winter.”
The vaccines continue to be distributed to hundreds of locations across the province to ensure sufficient supply is available for all Manitobans who want to be vaccinated, noted the premier. The online vaccine finder at Province of Manitoba | Vaccination, Eligibility and Vaccine Finder (gov.mb.ca) is updated regularly as new location and clinic details become available.
In alignment with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care’s mandate to make it easier for every Manitoban to access health care no matter where they live, there are many ways people can conveniently access their vaccines. Manitobans can contact their local clinic, pharmacy or nursing station. For public health-led clinics, use the online booking tool at Patient (petal-health.com) or call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222).
“Heading into respiratory virus season, we all have a role to play in protecting vulnerable Manitobans as well as the dedicated health-care professionals that care for them,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “Getting vaccinated against this season’s dominant COVID-19 and influenza strains lessens the risk of illness and severe outcomes and helps to reduce pressure on our health-care system.”
Public health also recommends personal health measures all Manitobans can take including:
-staying home when you’re sick until you feel better and no longer have a fever;
-washing your hands or using hand sanitizer regularly;
-covering your coughs and sneezes;
-choosing to wear a mask as an extra layer of protection; and
-regularly cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces and objects.
“Getting the updated vaccines for COVID-19 and seasonal flu is one of the best ways to protect yourself against getting sick this winter,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “This is even more important for parents and caregivers, pregnant people, children and others who are most likely to develop serious symptoms if they do become ill. If you haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine before, it’s never too late to protect yourself and your loved ones. We can also all do our part by staying home when we’re sick, washing our hands and choosing to wear a mask.”
More than 109,000 doses of the flu vaccine and almost 59,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to people in Manitoba this respiratory virus season.
For more information on COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines, visit: Province of Manitoba | ProtectMB
A weekly epidemiology update on COVID-19 and seasonal flu is posted every Friday at Provincial Respiratory Surveillance Report | Health | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca)
