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Vaccines

Manitoba Reaches 70% Vaccination Milestone, Emphasizes Continued Efforts Towards Herd Immunity

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A six-month vaccination campaign in Manitoba has achieved a major milestone, with 70% of adults now partially immunized against COVID-19. Despite missing the target of vaccinating 70% of all eligible Manitobans due to supply challenges, the province's COVID-19 vaccine task force remains committed to reaching herd immunity. The task force has shifted its approach to incorporate an incremental reopening plan, focusing on low-risk activities and locations as vaccination rates continue to rise.

Key Takeaways:

  • As of Wednesday, 69.8% of adults in Manitoba had received at least one dose of the vaccine, with 67.2% of the population 12 years or older having been vaccinated.
  • The task force has emphasized that 70% vaccination is not enough to achieve complete herd immunity, with estimates and predictions continually changing due to emerging variants and evolving science.
  • Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for the vaccine task force, stated that the task force aims to reach 80% or 90% of Manitobans, rather than stopping at 70%.
  • High vaccination rates will provide public health with options for restrictions orders and offer greater level of protection for the health-care system.
  • The task force has prioritized the expedient rollout of second doses, particularly with the emergence of the Delta variant, but emphasizes the importance of first doses for all eligible Manitobans.
  • Manitobans who received Moderna for their first dose can take Pfizer for their second, rather than waiting, subject to availability.
  • People aged 12-17 must take Pfizer for both first and second doses, as it is the only vaccine approved by Health Canada for that age group.
  • The task force is developing a strategy to distribute AstraZeneca vaccine to doctors and pharmacists based on regional demand.
  • Community clinics will offer AstraZeneca vaccine to eligible individuals who cannot receive an mRNA vaccine due to medical reasons.

Statistics:

  • 70% of adults in Manitoba have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
  • 69.8% of adults have received at least one dose, with 67.2% of the population 12 years or older having been vaccinated.
  • 65 confirmed cases of the Delta variant were reported in Manitoba on Tuesday.
  • A recent study in England showed a single dose of the vaccine was less effective against symptomatic disease when compared to B.1.1.7, but protection from two doses was still high.
  • Provincial supply projections for Moderna vaccines in June show only one shipment of 18,100 confirmed to arrive.
  • Shipments of Pfizer vaccine remain steady, with weekly deliveries of 87,800 doses confirmed through to the end of June.
  • The task force has pulled down 7,500 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine from the federal government to offer to eligible individuals.

Sources:

  • Johanu Botha, co-lead for the province's COVID-19 vaccine task force
  • Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for the vaccine task force
  • Provincial data released Wednesday
  • Recent study out of England on the Delta variant

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