Second-dose COVID-19 vaccine eligibility opening up for more Manitobans

Starting next week, Manitobans who received their COVID-19 vaccine on March 29 or earlier will be able to book their second dose.

Dr. Marcia Anderson and Johanu Botha announced in a media briefing Wednesday that second doses will open up even further.

"This timeline has a certain level of clinical rationale and eligibility baked into it as individuals who had their first dose before March 29 were selected to have their first doses than as they became eligible before those who came afterwards," Botha says. 

This opens for mRNA vaccinated people Wednesday.

This announcement does not apply to those who received AstraZeneca, but those who did receive this vaccine will be eligible for their second dose starting next week.

Dr. Joss Reimer says during an afternoon media conference that Manitoban who received their second dose will not need to isolate if there is a possible COVID-19 exposure. She says this is an example of the province's overall goal to reduce COVID-19 restrictions. 

Previously-announced eligible populations, such as Indigenous people, continue to be eligible for their second dose. 

As we approach the expected first dose dates, the vaccination team is not as confident in an early June 70 per cent uptake rate.  A week and a half earlier it was expected June 6 at the earliest and 9 at the latest for 70 per cent of the population to get their first COVID-19 vaccine.  This has since changed to June 7 and June 9.

Botha says "it really is a ball game" waiting for vaccine doses to land in Manitoba. Manitobans aged 12 and older became eligible for their first dose on May 14.

Second-dose appointments are to be booked the same way as the first dose by calling 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or going online.