UPDATE (Sept. 21st, 3:23 p.m.): Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba's chief public health officer, delivered his remarks on expanding bivalent vaccine eligibility during a news conference earlier today.
Dr. Roussin says that people have to remember that our immunity to COVID-19 does wane over time.
“This booster is a great way to recharge that immunity, boost that immunity once again," he adds.
The province recommends that people wait six months from their last dose to get their bivalent booster vaccine, as this provides the best immune response.
"We know from the evidence that if you wait a bit longer, that six months duration between your last dose and the booster, you can get a stronger immune response," Dr. Roussin adds.
According to the province, 3,216 doses of bivalent vaccine have been administered in Manitoba as of Monday, September 19th.
They also say in a news release that adults can also choose to receive the original vaccine as their fall booster dose if they don't want to receive the bivalent one and that children aged five to 17 can receive a booster of the original vaccine.
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All Manitobans aged 18 and older are now eligible to receive the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief public health officer, will provide more information during a virtual news conference scheduled for today at 2 p.m.
Anyone interested in receiving a dose of the bivalent vaccine can book an appointment starting tomorrow, September 22nd, at 9 a.m. by calling the vaccine call centre at 1-844-626-8222 or by calling pharmacies and clinics directly.
