November 2021 PC Caucus Review

Premier Heather Stefanson and Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced the province is ready to launch the next phase of its vaccine campaign to protect children ages five to 11 from COVID-19. Pending Health Canada’s approval of the pediatric Pfizer vaccine and the National Advisory Council’s anticipated recommendation, Manitoba will be ready to roll out the next phase of the provincewide #ProtectMB vaccine campaign.

The first doses of the pediatric version of the Pfizer vaccine are expected to be available in Manitoba as early as one week after the vaccine is approved. The vaccine would be offered through provincial and regional vaccine clinics, physicians’ offices, pharmacies, urban Indigenous clinics and pop-up community clinics. Walk-ins will be an option at some locations and in-school vaccinations will be offered in the coming weeks, both during and after school hours. Parents and caregivers will be able to make appointments once the vaccine is approved and arrives in Manitoba.

In an effort to increase accessibility of the vaccine, the premier and minister noted a policy change has been made to allow pharmacists to immunize all children in this age group against COVID-19 and influenza, when the vaccine is approved.