Manitoba is expanding its recommendations for third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Joss Reimer, head of Manitoba's Vaccine Implementation Task Force says this builds on recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), which recently recommended a third dose for seniors who are living in congregate housing such as personal care homes and assisted living. She says, as a result, Manitoba's clinical team is also now recommending a third dose for residents in congregate settings, such as assisted living.

According to Dr. Reimer, health regions will work with elderly housing sites in the coming weeks to make sure there are plans in place to have third doses available for residents. She notes there are about 500 of these sites across our province.

Dr. Reimer says the rationale for this recommendation is the same as why they recommended the third dose for those living in personal care homes.

"Immune responses among older people can be less robust and they can wane more quickly over time," she suggests.

Further to that, she says because of the way the COVID-19 vaccine was rolled out in spring, these were some of the first people in Manitoba to receive their first and second doses.

ce with public health orders.