Manitobans get vaccinated while provincial data shows slight increase in respiratory virus cases

Manitobans have received more than 109,000 doses of the flu vaccine and nearly 59,000 of the COVID-19 vaccine so far during this year's respiratory vaccination season, the province says.

Premier Wab Kinew received his flu and COVID-19 vaccine shots at the Shoppers Drug Mart in Winnipeg's Osborne Village on Monday.

"I really encourage everyone in Manitoba to do the same, if you haven't already," he told reporters afterwards, thanking pharmacists and other health-care professionals across Manitoba who are aiding the provincial program.

Hundreds of locations across the province continue to receive shipments of the vaccines to ensure a steady supply is available for all Manitobans who want to get vaccinated, Kinew noted in a Monday news release.

A slight increase of COVID-19 cases was recorded in the province's latest respiratory surveillance report, which covers the week of Oct. 15-21, showing the total number of laboratory detected cases increased to 200 compared to 149 in the week prior.

There were 44 COVID-19 related hospital admissions recorded during that week, as well as three to intensive care, but no deaths, according to the report. The week prior saw 37 hospital admissions, as well as two to intensive care and two deaths.

The most recent report also says 77 percent of Manitobans have received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccines as of Oct. 21, and nearly 22 per cent have received at least one dose of a bivalent vaccine.

Wastewater surveillance data shows COVID-19 activity in Winnipeg between Oct. 15-21 was similar when compared to the same time period in 2022, the report says, while lower activity levels were shown in Brandon.

Slight uptick of flu, RSV cases: data

The report also says 11 cases of influenza A were identified during the same week, compared to seven reported the week before, while no cases of Influenza B were reported.

There were nine cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) reported in Manitoba during that period, an increase from the zero cases shown the week before.

Public health officials continue to recommend that Manitobans take a variety of measures to protect themselves and others this respiratory virus season, including staying home while sick, frequent hand-washing, wearing masks and regular disinfection of shared surfaces.

In Monday's news release, Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin said COVID-19 and flu vaccination are even more important for parents, caregivers, pregnant people, children and anyone who may develop serious illness if infected.

"Getting the updated vaccines for COVID-19 and seasonal flu is one of the best ways to protect yourself against getting sick this winter," he said in the release.

Manitobans can contact their local clinic, pharmacy or nursing station to receive a COVID-19 shot, or find a location on the province's website.