More than 113-thousand doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Manitoba.
With the increase in vaccine supply in the province, Medical Lead of the Vaccine Task Force Dr. Joss Reimer notes that eligibility continues to be expanded.
Manitobans 73-years-old and older, and First Nations 53-years-old and older, are now eligible for a vaccine.
Health Canada expanded the recommendations on the usage of the Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr. Reimer states the new recommendations includes individuals over the age of 64, however, due to the limited supply of Astra-Zeneca vaccines, Manitoba will continue using the previous recommendations of using the vaccine for ages 18-64.
Dr. Reimer also addressed concerns about the safety of the Astra-Vaccine, after reports surfaced from some European countries earlier this week, that a side effect to the vaccine was blood clots.
Reimer states that Canada did not receive the same batch as the EU, adding that data shows that blood clots are less likely to occur in European countries using the Astra-Zeneca vaccine, than in the general population.
Dr. Reimer adds that Health Canada will take immediate action if evidence of increased risk of blood clots from the vaccine is brought forward, and assured the public that the vaccine is indeed safe for use.