WINNIPEG — Manitobans 40 and over will soon be able to to get the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

A government source has told The Canadian Press that the province is lowering the minimum age eligibility following similar moves by Ontario and Alberta.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says an announcement is to be made today.

Currently, the AstraZeneca vaccine in Manitoba is available to those 65 and over, and to people between 55 and 64 with certain underlying medical conditions.

Health Canada has approved the vaccine for people under 55, but the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended the shot only be offered to those 55 and older due to a slightly elevated risk of an extremely rare blood clot disorder.

There have been just two cases of blood clots in Canada out of the more than 700-thousand doses of AstraZeneca administered so far. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 19, 2021

The Canadian Press

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WINNIPEG — Manitobans 40 and over will soon be able to to get the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

A government source has told The Canadian Press that the province is lowering the minimum age eligibility following similar moves by Ontario and Alberta.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says an announcement is to be made today.

Currently, the AstraZeneca vaccine in Manitoba is available to those 65 and over, and to people between 55 and 64 with certain underlying medical conditions.

Health Canada has approved the vaccine for people under 55, but the National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended the shot only be offered to those 55 and older due to a slightly elevated risk of an extremely rare blood clot disorder.

There have been just two cases of blood clots in Canada out of the more than 700-thousand doses of AstraZeneca administered so far. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 19, 2021

The Canadian Press

Discuss this article on boreal.social