The policy change comes later updated recommendations issued on Tuesday by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). Booster doses should be given at least six months after receiving the second stroke, the province says. Previously, children and young people in this age group were eligible for a third dose in Manitoba only if they were black, indigenous or colored, living in assembly facilities such as shelters, group homes or penitentiaries, or if they had underlying health conditions. This policy was also based guidance from NACIwhich was then a reminder for 12- to 17-year-olds if they were experiencing severe COVID-19 outcomes due to biological or social risk factors or if they encountered systemic barriers to accessing health care. Earlier, the county had already recommended that children and adolescents of this moderate to severely immunocompromised age receive three doses for their first round of vaccinations instead of two, followed by a fourth dose as a booster. Then, young people who did not meet the initial criteria were not eligible for a third tranche in Manitoba. This is because two doses protect the majority of people in this age group very well from hospitalization, intensive care unit and death, said Dr. Josh Reimer, then the medical director of the Manitoba Vaccine Implementation Team. Last week, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority announced that Reimer had accepted a new role as its chief physician. It is unclear whether the county plans to appoint a new Reimer to the vaccine task force. A provincial spokesman said plans were under way to distribute the group’s responsibilities to a wider group of health professionals.
