April 26, 2022
Province Celebrates Success of COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign During National Immunization Awareness Week
– – –More Than 85 Per Cent of Eligible Manitobans are Fully Immunized: Gordon
The Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to celebrate the success of the provincial COVID-19 vaccine campaign while continuing to roll up their sleeves as part of National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW), Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced today.
“Manitobans stepped up to do their part for the provincial COVID-19 immunization campaign in record numbers and we now have the highest percentage of fully vaccinated people in the prairie provinces at more than 85 per cent,” said Gordon. “I encourage all Manitobans to keep the momentum going and get vaccinated.”
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to all people in Manitoba aged five and up. The province recently expanded eligibility for first booster doses to all youth aged 12 to 17 and a second booster for older individuals at higher risk of more serious outcomes.
Recognizing the work of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force (VITF), the minister commended its efforts to build a strong immunization program through continuous improvement, learning, assessing, planning and adapting. The minister also noted close collaboration and co-ordinated planning with vaccine channel partners, including regional health authorities, First Nations leaders, pharmacists and physicians, continues to be a critical factor in the success of the vaccine campaign.
“National Immunization Awareness Week is a perfect time to recognize the incredible work of the VITF, which has helped to save lives and protect countless people through its efforts,” said Gordon. “We must also recognize our former medical lead, Dr. Joss Reimer, for her leadership and expertise during the largest immunization campaign in our history. She played a pivotal role in the success of this campaign as Manitobans looked to her for guidance on COVID-19 vaccines.”
Immunizations are one of the most powerful tools available to protect people against many serious illnesses like influenza, measles, human papillomavirus (HPV) and polio, noted Gordon.
“Ensuring your vaccinations are up to date is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your family,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster and haven’t received it yet, make an appointment or visit a nearby clinic or pharmacy today. National Immunization Awareness Week is an important reminder to all of us to review our immunization records and those of our family members to see if we need other routine vaccines that we may have missed during the pandemic. Vaccines are safe, effective and one of our best defenses against illness and serious outcomes.”
National Immunization Awareness Week is held annually the last week of April to highlight and recognize the importance of immunization. More information on NIAW is available at https://immunize.ca/niaw.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine campaign in Manitoba, including current eligibility guidelines, visit manitoba.ca/vaccine.
For more information about immunizations, including Manitoba’s immunization schedule, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/div/index.html.
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