For the second time in days, Manitoba has been told to expect another reduction in the amount of Pfizer vaccine coming to our province from the federal government and the manufacturer. What we know so far is this: our planning had been based on 18,720 doses between now and the end of the month. As of today, that projection has been cut to in half, with further reductions expected in February.
“This is incredibly disappointing news for me as the minister, as I know it is for many Manitobans who see the vaccine as ray of hope among the many losses and challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson. “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.”
The Vaccine Implementation Task Force is carefully reviewing the revised vaccine reductions announced by Pfizer and the federal government today, and will have a more detailed update for Manitobans soon.
Dr. Joss Reimer, medical officer of health, Manitoba Health and Seniors Care, and a member of Manitoba’s COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Task Force said today, “We have to take another look at how many first-dose appointments can be booked, how many second doses are needed to provide full protection and how these plans fit into what now could be a very unpredictable supply in the weeks ahead. We will not sacrifice safety 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.”
The task force will update Manitobans as soon as possible with an updated approach that accounts for these supply issues.
