WINNIPEG – The province is doubling its order of high-dose influenza vaccine because of anticipated demand and it’s also expanding the criteria for who can receive it free of charge.

“The flu season is always challenging, but COVID-19 will make it even more difficult. That’s why our government is taking every precaution to help keep Manitobans safe,” said health minister Cameron Friesen. “By doubling our order of high-dose influenza vaccine and making it available to more people at high risk of contracting the flu, we are able to protect them, as well as our health-care providers on the front line.”

This year, the Manitoba government is expanding criteria for the vaccine to allow more seniors to get the high-dose influenza vaccine starting this fall including:

• residents of supportive and assisted living housing;

• those who are newly incarcerated or transferred from other federal or out-of-province correctional facilities;

• those receiving home care services while on a waiting list for admission into a long-term care facility;

• living on a First Nation or remote communities; and

• living north of the 53rd parallel of latitude.