Manitoba top docs push third-dose message as omicron looms

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This article was published 15/12/2021 (1735 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba’s top doctor is calling for all eligible residents to get their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of holiday gatherings, as the omicron variant threatens to drive case counts to record levels.

“We’re putting that message out, that plea out to Manitobans to get that third dose right now if you’re eligible,” chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said Wednesday.

Roussin shared preliminary pandemic modelling for the more infectious omicron variant of COVID-19 at a news conference at the vaccine clinic at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg.

In a transmission scenario similar to what’s been observed in Ontario and the United Kingdom, Roussin said Manitoba could report more than 200 COVID-19 cases a day by Dec. 25, and more than 1,000 cases a day early in the new year, once omicron is spreading in the community.

Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for the province’s COVID-19 vaccine task force, said by sharing this information she hopes Manitobans will take “immediate action” to get either their first, second or third dose.

“We‘re all living in a time of rising COVID-19 case counts and waning immunity in our communities and around our family dinner tables,” Reimer said. “More than ever, the time to get your next dose if you are eligible is now.”

All adult Manitobans can get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine six months after their second shot.

Reimer said people age 60 and up who got their second dose on or before July 10 should get their third dose immediately. Adults living on First Nations communities who got their second dose on or before July 10 should get a third shot as soon as possible, she said.

“This really needs to be the most important item on your holiday season to-do list.”

Reimer gave Health Minister Audrey Gordon her third dose of the vaccine at the news conference.

Experts are concerned some features of omicron will make the vaccine less effective in fighting off an infection, while previous infections may not provide as much protection compared to earlier strains, Reimer said.

However, early evidence suggests any decrease in protection against omicron can likely be overcome by getting a booster, she said.

“The emerging medical evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccines will likely offer some protection against omicron, because even though omicron is a new variant, it’s still COVID.”

Reimer said COVID-19 vaccines are readily available at most medical clinics and pharmacies, and locations with inventory can be found on the province’s vaccine finder map. It’s recommended people take the same brand of vaccine for their second and third doses.

She said not all provincially run clinics have walk-in availability and encouraged people to check online or call the province’s vaccine hot line to book ahead.

Availability of appointments at provincial clinics is expected to increase based on demand, Reimer added.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca