Manitobans age 62 and older are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
The province of Manitoba announced the change in eligibility criteria on Wednesday. First Nations individuals who are 42 years of age or older are also eligible for vaccination.
Meanwhile, the province said it has decided to offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to people who are over the age of 64.
Previously, the product was only available to people between the ages of 55 and 64, despite the National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommending that the product is safe and should be offered to those 65 and older.
However, the province said people between 55 and 64 who want to take the AstraZeneca vaccine will only be able to receive it if they have an underlying health condition specified by the provincial government.
The AstraZeneca shot will not be offered to people between the ages of 62 and 64 (who are currently eligible for either the Pfizer or Moderna shot) who do not have health conditions, according to a provincial news release. It is currently available through doctors’ offices and pharmacies.
"The province has updated its guidance on who is eligible to receive this vaccine. It includes people aged 55 to 64 with specific high-risk health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, as well as all people aged 65 and older, with priority given to people who might be unable to attend a super site or pop-up clinic," the release stated.
Appointments at medical clinics and pharmacies can be booked directly with the location. A list of pharmacies and medical clinics accepting appointments is available on the province's website.
Appointments for mass vaccination clinics can be booked by going to protectmb.ca or calling 1-844-626-8222.