Manitoba has been told to expect another reduction in the amount of Pfizer vaccines for the second time in days.

The province initially planned on being able to use 18,720 doses between now and the end of the month. Now, the province has been told to expect half of that amount, and further reductions could come in February.

Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson said in a statement this is incredibly disappointing news.

“Our province is working hard to plan and prepare for this massive immunization campaign but the level of uncertainty caused by missed or reduced vaccine shipments will affect our work in the weeks ahead but please be assured, we are fully equipped to adjust to the changing circumstances.”

Dr Joss Reimer says the Vaccine Implementation Task Force is carefully reviewing the revised vaccine reductions and will have a more detailed update soon.

A number of factors have to be taken into consideration such as how many first-dose bookings can be made, how many second doses are needed for full protection, and how these plans fit into what is now an unpredictable supply for the weeks ahead.

Reimer says safety will not be sacrificed for speed.

“At this point, our call centre remains open for eligible Manitobans to book their appointment but this may change based on the number of vaccines we receive.”