All children and young people between the ages of 12 and 17 are now eligible to receive booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Manitoba, the province said in a statement.
The change in policy comes after that updated recommendations issued by the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NACI) on Tuesday.
Booster doses should be given at least six months after the second injection, the province said.
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, if they lived in shared housing such as shelters, group homes, or correctional facilities, or if they were in good health.
This policy was also based on NACI guidelineswho at the time recommended a booster for those aged 12 to 17 if they were at risk of severe COVID-19 results due to biological or social risk factors or if they faced systemic barriers to accessing health care.
Earlier, the province recommended that children and teenagers in this age group with moderate to severe immunocompromise receive three doses for their first series of immunizations instead of two, followed by a fourth dose as a booster.
At that time, young people who did not meet the initial criteria do not qualify for a third dose in Manitoba.
This is because two doses keep the majority of people in this age group very well protected against hospitalization, intensive care and death, said Dr. Joss Reimer, then head of the Manitoba Vaccine Task Force. .
Last week, the Winnipeg Regional Health Service announced that Reimer had taken on a new role as chief medical officer.
It is unclear whether the province plans to appoint someone new to Reimer’s role in the vaccine task force.
A provincial spokesman said plans were under way to share the group’s responsibilities with a wider group of health professionals.
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