Premier Pallister is promising a faster re-opening if all eligible Manitobans will get vaccinated. In a video presentation on Thursday, Pallister touched on possible reasons why some have not been vaccinated and what he is planning to do about it.
He said that 800,000 Manitobans have received a vaccine.
In a press release the premier said that additional efforts are being taken to address vaccine hesitancy and access to ensure Manitoba is able to reach its provincial vaccination goals.
“I want to commend the hundreds of thousands of Manitobans who have participated in our vaccine efforts thus far. Thank you for your willingness and excitement to roll up your sleeve for the first available vaccine and for doing your part to protect Manitobans,” said Pallister.
This new phase of vaccination promotion and delivery will include four key initiatives:
• the ProtectMB Community Outreach and Incentive Grants, funding for local organizations, groups, businesses in the province that work with and in vaccine-hesitant communities to improve uptake;
• an expanded ProtectMB advertising campaign to encourage Manitobans to ‘take their seats’ by getting vaccinated so they can enjoy the activities and spaces that Manitobans have missed and that vaccination will allow everyone to enjoy once more;
• creating a ProtectMB Campaign Advisory Committee co-chaired by Cynthia Carr and Dayna Spiring that is providing advice to government on encouraging vaccination uptake and reopening safely;
• expanded vaccine access through clinics, pop-ups and pharmacies to make it easier than ever to choose vaccination.
“We know from research and clinical leadership that there are thousands of Manitobans who are open to vaccination, but they need support from people they know and trust to make that decision to roll up their sleeve and get the shot,” Pallister added.
“We are in a race between the virus and vaccination,” said Carr, co-chair of the ProtectMB Campaign Advisory Committee and epidemiologist. “The faster Manitobans are vaccinated, the lower the risk of high case numbers and variant spread. This phase is critical. If you have not gotten vaccinated, you matter and speed matters.”
The ProtectMB Community Outreach and Incentive Grants will offer funding of up to $20,000 to Manitoba organizations, businesses, churches and others who work in and with low-uptake communities. Applicants will be required to attend an information session on vaccine uptake and hesitancy, and submit a simple proposal on their approach to addressing low uptake in their community. Staffing, outreach, food and other activities will be eligible for funding. Interested organizations can register for an information session at www.ProtectMB.ca.
