The Portage Clinic has just recently been approved to provide the COVID-19 vaccine.

Chief nursing officer Samantha Hawco organized the effort.

"Being a clinic, we applied at the beginning of February, and we were just recently approved," says Hawco. "Our nurses are currently taking the training required to have a clinic. We have 15 nurses at the clinic and it's about a 25-hour course in total. We haven't gotten a date yet. We are waiting to hear further direction from the province when the vaccine will be available in rural Manitoba."

The team at Portage Clinic - Samantha Hawco (far left)She notes they've received several calls about the possibility of obtaining the vaccine at the clinic. Hawco explains they will have more information in the coming weeks, and encourages people to monitor their social media for up to date information.

"Once we find out the availability of the vaccine, we will post it on our social media and our website," notes Hawco. "So, right now we can't pre-book, so calling right now won't guarantee a spot but we will be following the province's eligibility requirements."

The clinic asks you to not call them for information about the vaccine, as the volume of calls can disrupt their services and their ability to provide timely care to those who are in need.

See provincial eligibility criteria outlined by clicking here.