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The province says the first delivery of the Novavax vaccine has arrived in Manitoba and will be distributed to health-care providers who ordered it beginning next week.
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Novavax has been approved by Health Canada for those aged 18 and older and two doses are recommended to be considered fully vaccinated with eight weeks between doses.
Health Canada says following clinical trials, Novavax was 90% effective at protecting people against COVID-19 infection one week after the second dose.
The Novavax vaccine is different than other mRNA vaccines available in Canada. It contains the spike protein of the coronavirus itself, but in a nanoparticle, which cannot cause disease.
Booster doses available for kids
Roll up your sleeves kids, as the Manitoba government says booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine can be given to young people aged 12-17.
Based on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Manitoba Health says a first booster dose should be prioritized for those who have underlying medical conditions, belong to a marginalized community disproportionally affected by COVID-19 or live in a shelter, group home or correctional facility.
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Booster doses should be given at least six months after the first two doses.
Testing sites set to close
Long considered a staple of the COVID-19 response, all provincial testing sites will be closed to the general public on Friday.
PCR testing will only be available through your primary care provider for those deemed eligible. Pre-operative patients can continue to get tested through the Dakota Medical Centre or the Minor Illness and Injury Clinic.
With PCR testing sites closing, the province is ramping up rapid antigen test distribution. The province says shipments of rapid tests to libraries outside of Winnipeg are expected to begin next week. During a media availability last week, Manitoba’s chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said around 50 libraries have expressed interest in taking rapid tests.
The province says more than 34,000 rapid test kits were handed out at pop-up locations at St. Vital Centre and CF Polo Park last weekend.
