A high-dose flu vaccine for seniors living in personal care homes has been announced for Manitoba and it will be the first of its kind in Canada.

Health minister Kelvin Goertzen says this vaccine will better protect vulnerable residents of PCHs from influenza.

Goertzen notes studies show people over the age of 65 that live in personal care homes are most at risk for complications or death related to influenza.

The vaccine provides a higher level of protection against two types of influenza-A and one type of influenza-B predicted to be circulating in North America this fall and winter.

The flu vaccine is typically available from health care providers by early October.