WINNIPEG - The government of Manitoba says all Indigenous adults are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit citizens, with appointment lines opening at 11:45 Monday morning. The expanded eligibility applies to supersite, pop-up, and urban Indigenous clinic vaccinations, which may use doses from either Pfizer or Moderna.
The age eligibility for First Nations had previously been 20 years younger than those set for the general population, and, until now, eligibility had not included Métis or Inuit people. Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson says eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine, used at pharmacies and medical clinics, remains at 40 years of age and over for all Manitobans, and 30 to 39 for those with certain pre-existing health conditions.
Public Health Lead for the First Nations Pandemic Response Coordination Team, Dr. Marcia Anderson, says, while First Nations people consistently have made up 50 to 60 per cent of all COVID-19 ICU admissions, the province wants to ensure that all Indigenous peoples in Manitoba can access the vaccine as soon as possible.
Starting today at 11:45 a.m., Indigenous adults can call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222) toll-free to book their vaccination appointment between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can also book an appointment using the #ProtectMB website.
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