On March 31, Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced that the provincial government is expanding access to measles vaccines by enabling pharmacists to administer the publicly funded vaccine to eligible children and young adults.
The order that the minister signed will allow pharmacists to administer measles containing vaccines to Manitobans aged two to 19 and this change takes effect immediately, though access to vaccines is expected to start in the coming weeks once the program rolls out.
“This is a common-sense step that will help more Manitobans get protected,” said Asagwara in a recent news release.
“Pharmacists are trusted, accessible health-care providers in communities across Manitoba, and expanding their role makes it easier for families to get vaccinated and protect those most at risk.”
This expansion is being implemented after a request from Pharmacists Manitoba. This increase will allow for increased access to this immunization, but the measles vaccines will continue to be provided at no cost through Manitoba’s publicly funded immunization program.
Manitoba’s immunization program recommends that children receive their first dose of measles vaccine at one year and their second dose between four and six years of age for routine immunizations.
There have been outbreaks of measles in the province and in Selkirk specifically.
Children living in regions impacted by the current outbreak may be eligible for an additional dose as young as six months.
The addition of pharmacists will expand access and provide more convenient options for families to get this vaccine, but vaccines remain available through existing providers, including public health clinics, physicians, nurse practitioners and midwives.
“This is a good first step in making these vaccines more available,” said Gayle Romanetz, president of Pharmacists Manitoba, in the recent provincial release. “Pharmacists are ready to work with Minister Asagwara and Public Health to support convenient access to care and the continued expansion of services in communities across Manitoba.”
Measles is a highly contagious disease, and vaccination remains the most effective
way to prevent infection and protect vulnerable individuals, including infants and those
with underlying health conditions.
For more information about measles and outbreak locations in the province, visit gov.mb.ca. More information is also available via Health Links-Info Santé toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.
