Youth COVID-19 vaccinations continue to be on hold as Manitoba anticipates an upcoming Pfizer slow down.

As announced Thursday, Manitoba will experience a slowdown in Pfizer shipments in the second week of July. As a result, Manitobans ages 12-17 are not able to make second-dose vaccination appointments.

"Young people aged 12 to 17 must continue to receive Pfizer for both doses, as this is currently the only vaccine approved for use in this age group," the province says in a Friday statement.

There are Moderna studies underway, but this vaccine has not yet been approved for youth in Canada.

In Manitoba, 70.6 per cent of all people 12 years old and older have received their first dose, and 22 per cent their second. The province's 4-3-2- One Great Summer Reopening Path needs a 25 per cent second-dose rate to make health order openings.

 

Eligibility expansion

The province continues to expand second-dose eligibility. As of Friday, those who got their first dose on or before May 23 are eligible for their second.

"Manitobans are strongly reminded to only book their appointment based on the date of their first dose or other provincial eligibility criteria."

Walk-in clinics continue to be popular in Manitoba. To encourage this, True North is visiting six vaccination clinics this week.