COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to circulate, especially during respiratory illness season in fall and winter. The Provincial Respiratory Surveillance Report tracks the season and we continue to see COVID causing serious outcomes including hospitalization, intensive care and death. In many cases, patients with severe outcomes were not up to date with the current COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from getting sick or experiencing serious complications from COVID-19. While COVID-19 can be more serious for the elderly, those with underlying health conditions and Indigenous Peoples, younger and otherwise healthy people have had serious outcomes too. Regardless of your personal risk, the vaccine helps to protect you and those around you too. 

What is the COVID-19 vaccine?

Vaccines train our immune system so it is ready to respond if we are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. You can’t get the virus from these vaccines. Only vaccines that meet Health Canada’s regulatory requirements for safety, effectiveness and quality are approved for use in Canada. COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of severe illness, death and post COVID-19 condition (long COVID).

Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The 2024 – 25 COVID-19 vaccines are now available in Manitoba. Immunization with the most updated COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended. For those previously vaccinated against COVID-19, all individuals aged six months and older are recommended and eligible to receive one free dose of the updated formulation of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Those who have never been vaccinated for COVID-19, ages 6 months to less than 5 years of age should receive two doses, 8 weeks apart. Moderately to severely immunocompromised 6 months of age and older should receive three doses, 4 to 8 weeks apart according to Manitoba’s COVID-19 schedule.

What if you’ve had COVID recently?
If you’ve recently had a positive COVID-19 test result, the chance of getting COVID-19 again is low in the months after infection. You can wait up to 3 to 6 months for your next vaccine dose. The immune response is better when there is more time between infection and vaccination.

You can receive the vaccine if you have a mild illness and you did not get a COVID-19 test. Without a confirmed COVID-19 test result, it’s better to get immunized now rather than waiting 3 to 6 months to receive the vaccine. Anyone with a high fever should postpone getting the vaccine until recovered.

Recommendations may be different if you are moderately to severely immunocompromised or not previously vaccinated. Talk to your doctor about when to get your next vaccine dose after a COVID-19 infection.

Side effects

Some individuals experience mild side effects after receiving this vaccine. This includes soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given. Sometimes people can feel tired, have a headache, lose their appetite or develop a low-grade fever. These side effects generally last a day or two. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) can be given for fever or soreness. Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin®) should NEVER be given to children because it can cause a severe liver and brain disease called Reye’s Syndrome.

Swollen lymph nodes can happen after COVID-19 vaccination. 

In very rare circumstances, a severe allergic reaction can occur, including hives, heavy breathing, or swelling of the throat or face. This is why individuals are asked to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving a vaccine, so they can be monitored for a serious allergic reaction.

A very rare reaction that could occur is myocarditis/​pericarditis, or inflammation of the heart muscle or lining around the heart. It can cause shortness of breath, chest pain or the feeling of a fast or abnormal heartbeat. Most people who experienced these symptoms had them within 7 days after receiving the vaccine. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department or health centre for treatment. It’s important to remember you are more likely to get myocarditis/​pericarditis from a COVID-19 infection than from the vaccine. Myocarditis/​pericarditis caused by the COVID-19 vaccine is much milder than when it is caused by COVID-19 disease.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Seasonal vaccines are available across Manitoba for eligible Manitobans at no cost.

Here’s how to find your seasonal vaccines:

1. Call your family doctor’s office to check availability.

2. Check with nearby doctor’s offices or walk-in clinics for availability.

3. You can also see locations on this provincial vaccine finder map.

Learn more

Vaccine-Preventable Respiratory Illnesses | Province of Manitoba

Routine Immunization Schedules | Province of Manitoba

📑 See the Public Health Fact Sheet on COVID-19 Vaccine.