Manitobans are at the back of the vaccine line, says Pallister

The premier called on the federal government to give clearer criteria for vaccine distribution and a national plan. He said someone living in Selkirk should have the same access to the vaccine as someone living in Kenora.

Minister of Northern Affairs Dan Vandal (St. Boniface-St. Vital) said the federal government is working on a distribution plan with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and public health experts, one that is based on science and evidence.

“It is important to me that people most vulnerable and those in remote regions receive their vaccinations on a priority basis,” said Vandal.

Dr. Brent Roussin, provincial chief public health officer, said during his update on Thursday that they are expecting limited quantities of the vaccine early in the process and that their vaccine campaign will go well into next year.

Public health won’t be receiving its allotted doses at once as it will come in weekly shipments.

“We’re going to be receiving relatively low quantities so we’re going to have to find ways to prioritize,” said Roussin. “We know there are lots of groups that should get it but we’re unlikely to receive enough quantities to do all of the priority groups at once, so we’re going to have to sequence it.”

The province is planning on larger vaccine clinics to maximize uptake due to logistical challenges with keeping the vaccine at a proper temperature. The province has received its first freezer, of 20, to store the vaccines which combined will be able to hold one million doses.