The government announced on Wednesday that it is expanding eligibility for the high-dose flu shot to include all adults aged 65 and over. “Planning has already begun for this fall’s seasonal flu campaign, and this is an important change that will protect more seniors,” Health Minister Audrey Gordon said in a news release. Currently, the vaccine is given to people age 65 and older who meet eligibility requirements, such as those living in long-term facilities or assisted living homes. “Seniors have a higher risk of flu complications, so protecting seniors is especially important,” Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston said in a news release. The government said this change is in line with the recommendations of the National Immunization Advisory Committee. “There is good evidence that the high-dose flu vaccine provides better protection for older adults than the standard flu vaccine,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, the province’s chief of public health, in a news release. He added that expanding eligibility would help improve outcomes across the age group and reduce illness, hospitalization and death. High-dose and standard flu shots are available to eligible Manitobans at no cost. The province said more information about the flu vaccine campaign will be released in the coming months.
