Manitoba is opening up its third COVID-19 vaccine dose eligibility even further Wednesday, and could fully expand by the end of the year.

There are currently no requirements to get three COVID-19 vaccines, but for those wishing to get a booster shot, the criteria is expanding.

Healthcare workers and those who received two doses of AstraZeneca, or a single dose of Janzen, will be eligible for a third COVID-19 shot.

"Right now, we are not changing our definition of fully vaccinated for anyone," Dr. Joss Reimer, the medical lead for the province's vaccination task force says in a Wednesday press conference. "Based on what we are seeing so far, there is a good chance that we will recommend a third dose for most people this calendar year. But I do not want people to be worried that they are not well protected because really, the studies have shown that when we are talking about hospitalization and death, these vaccines are extremely effective and that protection lasts for a long time."

These are all recommendations from the province. Those who are eligible for a third dose fitting the two new eligibility requirements do not need a prescription for a third dose, which can be given at least six months after their last dose. Previous eligibility requirements remain in place, which could mean someone can get a third dose sooner if they are immunocompromised.

reimerReimer says how COVID-19 immunizations are offered will begin to look similar to other immunizations. (Screenshot: Government of Manitoba/YouTube)

"AstraZeneca provides a high level of protection initially, especially if the two doses are further spread out. But over time, studies are showing us the level of protection from AstraZeneca appears to decrease faster with the mRNA vaccines."

This affects less than seven thousand people in Manitoba.

Reimer, and Shared Health, are recommending all healthcare workers and volunteers with direct contact with patients, residents, and clients to get a booster shot. This includes Indigenous knowledge keepers and traditional healers.

"For many healthcare workers, it has been quite a few months since their last dose of vaccine," Reimer says.

Vaccinations for healthcare workers began in December. Reimer does not have an exact number of how many healthcare workers would be eligible for another dose but says there are roughly 50,000 healthcare workers in Manitoba.

"When we are facing a fourth wave and we do know that every healthcare worker is critical to being able to provide services to Manitobans. We want to be able to offer this booster to use every tool in the toolbox to support the healthcare system."

On Tuesday, more than half of the new cases were in people who got one or more COVID-19 vaccine.