Manitoba Health expanded eligibility for the bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine to include anyone aged 12 or older and appointments can be booked starting today.
They say that adults may receive either a Moderna or a Pfizer bivalent booster dose and that children aged 12 to 17 will receive the Pfizer bivalent vaccine because it is the only one approved for that age group.
The province expects to receive the new Pfizer bivalent vaccine by the end of this week and will then ship them to clinics, pharmacies and vaccine sites across Manitoba.
They note that delivery dates may vary, so while it may be available in vaccine sites earlier, the Pfizer bivalent vaccine is expected to be at most vaccine locations by Monday, October 24th.
Appointments can be booked using the online booking tool, by calling the vaccine call centre at 1-844-626-8222 or by calling medical clinics and pharmacies directly.
The provincial government recommends making an appointment for the week of October 24th to ensure the appropriate vaccine will be in stock.
The original vaccine continues to be available as a fall booster for children aged five to 11 and individuals who do not wish to receive the bivalent vaccine.