The Manitoba government announced yesterday it will expand eligibility for the high-dose influenza vaccine this fall.

Manitoba Health currently offers the high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine to individuals aged 65 and older who meet specific eligibility requirements.  Those include residing in long-term care facilities or assisted living housing.   

Beginning this fall, the high-dose vaccine will be available to all people aged 65 and older, without any other eligibility requirements.

This change aligns with recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization to use the high-dose influenza vaccine for adults aged 65 and older when available.

In 2017, Manitoba became the first province to offer a high-dose version of the influenza vaccine and many provinces have followed suit.