Manitoba public health officials have opened up COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all Indigenous adults in the province.
The move means all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples over the age of 18 can book an appointment for the shot starting at 11:45 a.m. Monday.
“We have seen consistently that First Nations people have made up 50 to 60 per cent of all COVID-19 admissions to intensive care units, and we want to ensure that all Indigenous peoples in Manitoba can access the vaccine as soon as possible,” said Dr. Marcia Anderson, public health lead for the First Nations Pandemic Response Coordination Team.
“Getting the vaccine will not only protect the person, but also their family members and loved ones, which is critical to saving lives and protecting the capacity of the health-care system.”
Vaccines had previously only been available to First Nations people over the age of 30 in the province.
The province says the expansion will see Pfizer or Moderna vaccine made available for all First Nations at super sites, pop-up clinics and urban Indigenous clinics.
Eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine, currently provided at medical clinics and pharmacies, will remain for people aged 40 and over or people aged 30 to 39 with certain medical conditions.
Vaccine appointments at super sites, pop-up clinics and urban Indigenous clinics can be booked by calling 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or through the province’s website.