February 26, 2021
Statements on the Authorization of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine
While the approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine is very good news, the vaccine still needs to be shipped to Manitoba. We will continue to press the federal government for details on shipments, and work with our physician and pharmacist partners to prepare for the arrival of the vaccine in Canada and in Manitoba, to make sure we can ramp up the plans we already have in place to expand our immunization program. — Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson
The approval of the AstraZeneca vaccine for use in Canada will change how people can access this vaccine in Manitoba. Because it is easier to ship and to store, it will be possible for people to be immunized in doctors’ offices and pharmacies. Manitoba has been planning for this – and right now, nearly 250 clinics and pharmacies are set up to provide the vaccine, with even more applications under consideration. While this is all great news, the vaccine isn’t here yet. While we await details from the federal government on shipments, we will continue to finalize the eligibility details based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to ensure we’re able to get vaccines into arms as soon as possible. — Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force