Manitobans are now able to get their COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.

The announcement was made Monday afternoon by Dr. Joss Reimer, Head of our province's Vaccine Implementation Task Force. She says previously, individuals had to wait 14 or 28 days in between doses of different vaccines, depending on which was received first. This change is consistent with updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

She notes the former recommendation made the scheduling of vaccines very complicated. This change comes just prior to the start of the seasonal influenza vaccine campaign. And, according to Dr. Reimer, it falls in line with what Manitoba is already doing with many other vaccines.

"If you think back to childhood immunization or your child's immunization schedule, it's likely that they got more than one needle in the same visit," she explains. "So, for example, if you get a seasonal flu shot and you need a COVID-19 vaccine, you will be able to do that at the same visit."

Dr. Reimer says this reduces another potential barrier for immunization because it means that people do not have to make multiple appointments to protect themselves or their loved ones. And, it helps ensure people are protected against as many serious illnesses as possible.

As of Monday, 85.2 per cent of eligible Manitobans have now received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while 81.1 per cent have received two doses.

Within the southeast, here are the percentages of eligible residents who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine:

Niverville/ Ritchot - 82.1 per cent
St. Pierre/ De Salaberry - 78.5 per cent
Tache - 78.0 per cent
Rural East - 65.0 per cent
Ste. Anne/ La Broquerie - 64.9 per cent
Steinbach - 64.9 per cent
Hanover - 50.3 per cent