Seasonal Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Supply

Subscribe to our RSS feed | For more information, see RSS feeds help page.

For up-to-date information pertaining to flu vaccine distribution and supply (ex: shortages and delays), please refer to the below bulleted information, with the most recent updates provided at the top.

Registration for the 2024/25 Vaccine Preventable Respiratory Illness Immunization Program

Health care providers are required to register in order to receive influenza and COVID-19 vaccines from provincial stock. For the 2024/25 season, immunization providers will again be able to place orders and receive deliveries for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Pneumococcal vaccines will also be available to order. Please note: To ensure the most up to date contact information for each location, last year’s registration information has been removed from our system.

While there will be no deadline to register, providers are strongly recommended to do so no later than August 16, 2024, to ensure receipt of all communications, allow for the creation of distribution groups, and for allocation planning.

It is recommended when you register to provide an email address to a shared mailbox (if available) to ensure surveys and communications are received by all staff involved.

Please note: a five digit Holding Point Code (Client ID) is required in order to complete the registration. If your location does not already have an account with the provincial vaccine warehouse, please fill out the following form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/protocol/npaf.pdf


2024/25 Influenza and COVID-19 Program Requirements:

  1. Patients/clients will be immunized as per Manitoba's influenza and COVID-19 vaccine eligibility criteria as outlined:
    Influenza: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/index.html and
    COVID-19: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine.html
  2. Client immunization history will be reviewed prior to administration of a vaccine via eChart or the Provincial Health Information Management System (PHIMS). This will determine whether minimum intervals are being maintained for COVID-19 vaccines and/or if influenza vaccines have already been administered in the current influenza season.
  3. Informed consent will be obtained verbally or in writing and as per the Informed Consent Guidelines for Immunization: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/protocol/consentguidelines.pdf
  4. All vaccines administered are expected to be reported to MHSLTC within two (2) business days of administration through the provider's reporting route (e.g. direct entry into PHIMS or billing processes)

    For clients with no PHIN: record and submit doses administered to persons without a PHIN via the appropriate inputting information available here: https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/covidvaccine/administration-reporting-form-no-phin.pdf
  5. All patient/client immunization records must include (at minimum), the patient/client name, birthdate and personal health identification number (PHIN), if registered with MHSLTC, location of administration, provider, date of administration, vaccine product and manufacturer, lot number, dose, site, route of administration, and any additional regulatory requirements.
  6. Designate a refrigerator to store vaccines (NO BAR FRIDGES) that is monitored with an appropriate temperature-monitoring device such as a continuous temperature monitor or minimum/maximum thermometer (household mercury-styled thermometers are not acceptable) with temperatures being checked and recorded twice daily.

    For vaccine-specific guidance on the storage and handling requirements refer to their Product Monographs.

    For all cold chain monitoring requirements and how to report cold chain excursions review the Cold Chain Protocol for Vaccines and Biologics are available at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/coldchain.html
  7. Ensure an anaphylaxis response protocol/plan is in place prior to providing immunizations (e.g. initiating emergency response (911), epinephrine administration, CPR etc.) based on the Canadian Immunization Guide for Anaphylaxis and other Acute Reactions following Vaccination: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-2-vaccine-safety/page-4-early-vaccine-reactions-including-anaphylaxis.html.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER >



+ 2023/24 Influenza Season

September 12, 2023

Important Update: Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine UNAVAILABLE for 1st Order Survey Delivery

In the initial order survey, there were two options for COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna 6m+ and Pfizer 12yrs+), anticipating that both would be available for distribution. However, Manitoba Health has recently received information indicating that Moderna will be the only product available in time for the first deliveries. It is anticipated that Pfizer will be available a couple of weeks later than Moderna.

We understand that some of you may have indicated a preference for the Pfizer vaccine option initially, which we regretfully will not be able to fulfill during the first deliveries.

To ensure a smooth and efficient vaccination program, we would like to offer you the opportunity to update your vaccine order to move any of the Pfizer doses you ordered over to Moderna. If you would like to make changes to your order please resubmit your order prior to the survey close date of September 19th at 11:30 p.m. Our team will promptly process your updated request. Please ensure that the resubmitted order contains all vaccines that you need, including the influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.

If we do not receive an updated order by the specified deadline, your Pfizer doses will be cancelled automatically and only the Moderna doses ordered will be shipped.

PLEASE NOTE: Moderna is expected to be approved by Health Canada for everyone 6 months and older. The Moderna product is stable in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are safe and effective and there is no longer a preference for which mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should be used as an additional dose for previously immunized individuals in fall 2023.

Manitoba Health has prioritized the procurement of the Moderna vaccine due to ease of administration (i.e., one formulation for all age groups) and given that there is no preferential recommendation for either mRNA vaccine product. Based on this information, please plan to receive primarily Moderna vaccine throughout the respiratory illness season.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause and appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we adapt to the evolving vaccine supply situation. Our primary goal is to provide essential protection to our community against influenza and COVID-19, and your support in this endeavor is invaluable.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance in updating your vaccine order, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated support team at vaccines@gov.mb.ca




August 10, 2023

As previously communicated, the Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 Immunization Programs are transitioning into a single program. The ordering and distribution model has been revised to reflect that merge and further communications and instructions will follow shortly.

Please find below a summary of the changes regarding the 2023-24 Manitoba’s Influenza & COVID-19 Immunization Program:

Products

- Flu and pneumococcal vaccine products have not changed since last year.

- Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax are the anticipated manufacturers that will have products with updated formulations available. These new formulations and their age indications are still pending Health Canada approval.

- Moderna and Pfizer's products are expected to have limited stability once in the fridge. The provincial warehouse will be shipping the product with the influenza doses in refrigerated temperatures. Once received:

  • Moderna is only good in the fridge for 30 days (unopened)
  • Pfizer is only good for 12 weeks in the fridge (unopened)
  • More details will be made available and shared on product specifications once approved by Health Canada

- At this time, it is unknown when jurisdictions will receive their allotments of COVID-19 vaccines as approval from Health Canada is pending. It is anticipated that product will be available for shipping with the influenza vaccines in late September.

- Novavax is the only non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccine that will be available this fall.

Note: Manitoba Health is not implementing a publicly-funded RSV vaccine program for older adults this year.

Registration for Manitoba’s Influenza & COVID-19 Immunization Program opened on July 13, 2023. Every location that plans to participate in Manitoba’s Influenza and COVID-19 Immunization Program must register in order to participate in the program, including those who registered for the previous seasons. While providers can register at any time during the season, it is strongly recommended that you complete your registration by submitting this online form by August 15, 2023, to ensure that you will be included in the communications list and distribution group prior to the beginning of the season.

Orders and Clinics

It is anticipated that online ordering surveys will go out every two weeks (the exact timing of the first order survey is still to be determined) and will be based on two distribution groups. Personal Care Homes, Hospitals, and First Nations Communities will be included within the first distribution group. Locations are encouraged to start immunizing as soon as they receive flu vaccines.

Personal Care Homes should strive to complete the influenza immunizations for all eligible residents by October 31, 2023. COVID-19 vaccine administration is expected to be based on time since last infection or dose.

Public health offices should schedule their clinics starting the week of October 23, 2023 to ensure adequate time for vaccines to be delivered.




July 13, 2023

RE: 2023/24 COVID-19 and Influenza Immunization Program Registration is Now Open

Manitoba Health is combining the COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccine ordering processes for the 2023/24 season. Registration is mandatory for all health care providers, including those who had previously registered for the influenza and/or COVID-19 programs.

Please complete the registration form HERE.

IMPORTANT: During registration, we ask that you provide an estimate of how many total doses your location anticipates ordering this fall, this is not an official order and no doses will be shipped to your location using these estimates. Please ensure that you monitor your email for order surveys in the fall.

It is recommended that all healthcare providers complete the online registration form by August 15, 2023, to ensure receipt of all communications, allow for the creation of distribution groups, and for allocation planning.

COVID-19 and Influenza Distribution Overview

  • The exact timing of the first order survey is not known at this time.
  • Influenza and COVID-19 supply is anticipated to start arriving sometime in September with the potential to begin shipping by the end of September.
  • Similar to last year, the creation of two distribution groups is being considered.
  • Manitoba will continue to have Personal Care Homes, Hospitals, and First Nations Communities included within the first distribution group and those locations will be encouraged to order and administer their vaccines as soon as possible in the fall respiratory season (following provincial program guidelines).

Updates to Current COVID-19 Vaccine Ordering

Please be advised that the last order survey for COVID-19 vaccines will be sent on July 21st for delivery the week of July 31st. There will be no more COVID-19 vaccine orders processed until the new combined ordering and delivery model comes into effect for the fall immunization program.

If you have any questions, please contact the Communicable Disease Control Unit at 204-788-6737 or by email at vaccines@gov.mb.ca.



June 21, 2023

For the 2023/24 season, the ordering of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be combined into one process. This way, immunization providers will be able to place orders and receive deliveries of both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

In order to participate in the 2023/24 influenza and COVID-19 immunization program, all health care providers will need to register. Those who currently order COVID-19 vaccines through the survey process will continue to do so at this time, but will still be required to register for the 2023/24 influenza and COVID-19 immunization program. Communication will be sent in the coming weeks to advise when the current COVID-19 vaccine ordering will cease to allow for a transition to the new season.

While there will be no deadline to register, it is strongly recommended that providers do so no later than August 15, 2023, to ensure receipt of all communications, allow for the creation of distribution groups, and allocation planning. The new program is expected to streamline the process and make it more efficient for all providers.

Please be advised that the provision of administration supplies for COVID-19 vaccines will be discontinued effective September 1, 2023. As the inventory of supplies runs out it will be removed from the current COVID-19 ordering surveys. Providers are expected to source their administration supplies as they did prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information regarding the new influenza and COVID-19 vaccine ordering and delivery program, including a link to the new registration form, a timeline for the first survey, order frequency, and other information will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.

*NOTE: The remodelled ordering and distribution process applies to the seasonal flu vaccine (standard and high dose), the pneumococcal polysaccharide (Pneu-P-23), and COVID-19 vaccines.



June 5, 2023

SPRING CLEANING – VACCINE RETURNS

All health care providers are kindly asked to do a scan of their vaccine fridges to locate all expired publicly funded vaccines and arrange with the provincial distribution warehouse (MDA) to have them returned. Manitoba may receive credit for expired vaccines that have been returned.

This is especially important for influenza vaccines. All expired and unusable doses should be returned to MDA within two months of expiry.

Please refer to the latest Health Care Provider letter for more information:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/flu/docs/spring-cleaning-letter.pdf


+ 2022/23 Influenza Season

Nov. 10, 2022

RE: FINAL FLU VACCINE ORDER SURVEY

This is a follow up to the email communication sent last October 28, 2022 re: a pause in sending out the flu vaccine order survey. The pause was because almost 90% of the provincial flu vaccine supply had already been shipped out to providers across Manitoba.

We are now advising you that a final survey for ordering influenza vaccines is scheduled to go out on Monday, November 14th and close on Wednesday, November 16th at midnight. Shipments will take place starting the week of November 21st. As always, providers will be promptly advised of potential delays. 

Prior to submitting the order survey, providers are encouraged to take into consideration doses currently on hand and identify anticipated demand for the rest of the season. Please be reminded that you can order pneumococcal vaccines through the usual vaccine ordering process. You do not need to wait for an order survey.

Providers who have determined that they have excess flu vaccine doses should notify Manitoba Health by emailing: vaccines@gov.mb.ca.

For any questions, please email vaccines@gov.mb.ca.


Oct. 28, 2022

RE: FLU VACCINE ORDER SURVEY SCHEDULE CHANGE

As of October 28th, almost 90% of the provincial flu vaccine supply has been distributed to health care provider locations across the province. According to PHIMS, the vast majority of flu vaccine remains available for administration to clients across the province. As a result, please be advised that the survey schedule for ordering influenza and pneumococcal vaccines has been paused.

At this time, the order survey for Group 1 scheduled to go out today, October 28th, will be cancelled. A new survey will be sent to all registered sites (both Groups 1 & 2 combined) to provide all immunization providers equal opportunity to order from the remaining inventory on hand. Timing of this survey will be communicated in advance.

Please, be reminded that providers should take into account anticipated demand as well as doses they currently have available when placing an order.

Please, continue to update your vaccine availability on the COVID-19 & Influenza Vaccine Finder Map at www.manitoba.ca/flushotfinder so that the public is aware of where the vaccine is available.

Updates pertaining to influenza vaccine distribution including shortages and/or delays are posted online at www.manitoba.ca/fludistribution and emailed to providers at the email address provided at the time of registration.

For any questions, please email vaccines@gov.mb.ca.


Oct. 27, 2022

Please note – the survey schedule is under review and changes will be posted shortly. 

Thank you for your patience.


Oct. 14, 2022

ATTENTION: CURRENT LEAD TIME FOR ROUTINE VACCINE ORDERS – APPROX 10 DAYS TURNAROUND

This is to notify you that due to an increased number of vaccine order requests at this time, the lead time to receive routine vaccine orders has increased to an average of approximately 10 days from order placement to receipt.

Please take this into account when ordering all routine immunization products and ensure that you have allotted for the extra time to receive them before they are required for appointments.

PLEASE NOTE: Orders for emergency products as well as influenza & COVID vaccines are not affected by this delay.

If you have any questions, please email vaccines@gov.mb.ca


Sept. 16, 2022

Health care providers who have registered for the flu program have been divided into two distribution groups:

Group 1: Priority locations (including Hospitals, Long Term Care and First Nation Communities) and non-priority locations with Holding Point Codes ending in 0-2
Group 2: Non-priority locations with Holding Point Codes ending in 3-9

The initial survey was sent out on September 6th with a closing date of September 12th at midnight. Providers were asked to order only 2-3 weeks supply of vaccine as order surveys will be available approximately every two weeks throughout the flu season.

The first delivery of flu vaccine into Manitoba is anticipated to arrive the week of September 19th. Once product has arrived and has cleared quality inspection, estimated delivery windows will be emailed to distribution groups.


August 19, 2022

RE: SEASONAL INFLUENZA 2022/23: REGISTRATION REMINDER

In July 2022, Manitoba Health announced a remodelled ordering and delivering process for the 2022/23 influenza season based on an online order survey that will guarantee earlier access to influenza vaccine, increase order frequency throughout the season, and reduce wastage.

ALL health care providers need to register by filling out the form available at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/influenza-distribution-registration/. The earlier you register, the sooner your location will be placed in one of the two distribution groups. Providers/facilities will be split based on the last digit of their Holding Point Code (AKA Client ID) and whether or not they are considered a priority location (eg. Hospitals, First Nation Communities, and Long Term Care Homes).

Please, note that registration is still required even for those who have administered the influenza vaccines in the previous years or have already registered to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Providers/facilities cannot request vaccine until they have registered. It is therefore critical that every provider register as soon as possible in order for us to implement the distribution groups and for you to be notified about which of the two distribution groups your location will belong to prior to the first survey that will be sent early in September.


July 21, 2022

RE: NEW ENHANCED FLU VACCINE DISTRIBUTION MODEL & REGISTRATION PROCESS

Manitoba is introducing a new, enhanced order and delivery model for the 2022/23 influenza season. Similar to the way physicians and pharmacists currently order their COVID-19 vaccine, the new distribution model is anticipated to increase access to influenza vaccine to all health care providers earlier and also reduce wastage by allowing for increased order frequency throughout the season.

HOW TO REGISTER

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

We kindly ask that you register on or before August 15th to allow for the creation of distribution groups prior to the first delivery of flu vaccine in the fall.

If your location is not already signed up to order publicly funded vaccines of any kind, please complete the New Immunization Provider Application Form that can be found at the following link prior to registering to be a part of the influenza program: gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/protocol/npaf.pdf

NEW PROCESS FOR ORDERING

Once approved, registered health care provider locations will be split into two distribution groups based on the last digit of their Holding Point Code (AKA Client ID) and whether or not they are considered a priority location (eg. Hospitals, First Nation Communities and Long Term Care Homes). The two distribution groups will be roughly equal in size; be randomly distributed across the province and have equal proportions of different provider types (i.e. Public Health offices, pharmacists, physicians).

A link to an order survey will be sent each week to Group 1 or Group 2 via email, such that all providers have an opportunity to order vaccines every other week on alternating weeks. Providers will be asked to order based on their anticipated usage for the next 2-3 weeks, as opposed to the entire influenza season as in previous years. Orders will be reviewed and may be adjusted based on available vaccines, historical doses administered as well as any shortages or delays that may occur. A confirmation email will be sent which will include a list of all the products to be shipped, the approved quantities, as well as an approximate timeline for when deliveries should be expected.

Providers will also be expected to communicate any special hours of operation (eg. Closed for lunch between 12-1, closed on Fridays, etc.) and whether or not they are open for Saturday deliveries. This information is extremely important and will ensure an efficient and timely delivery schedule.

COVID-19 & INFLUENZA VACCINE FINDER MAP

Manitoba Health requests that health care providers continue to update their vaccine availability on the COVID-19 & Influenza Vaccine Finder Map at manitoba.ca/flushotfinder on a weekly basis, at minimum. This will allow Manitoba Health to identify to the public where the vaccine is available and increase access for Manitobans looking to be immunized.

Historically speaking, manufacturers supplying Canada with influenza vaccine have experienced shortages or delays in the delivery of their vaccines for various reasons, which are beyond the control of the provinces and territories, including Manitoba. As in previous years, health care providers are encouraged to start offering influenza vaccine to their patients as soon as they receive the product.

Orders will not be expedited due to failure to ensure sufficient product on hand for scheduled appointments/clinics.

Please be advised that vaccine administration supplies will not be provided for the influenza vaccine program. Providers should order as they had before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lastly, please take this opportunity to return any unused influenza vaccine from the 2021/22 influenza season to the Provincial Distribution Warehouse using Manitoba Health's Return Policy and Procedure, available at: gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/div/docs/vbrpp.pdf.


July 5, 2022

NEW ENHANCED FLU VACCINE DISTRIBUTION MODEL

Manitoba is introducing a new, enhanced order and delivery model for the 2022/23 influenza season. Similar to the way physicians and pharmacists currently order their COVID-19 vaccine, the new distribution model is anticipated to increase access to influenza vaccine to all health care providers earlier and also reduce wastage by allowing for increased order frequency throughout the season. In lieu of ordering either via fax or email, providers will be sent a link to an online survey where they will be asked to order enough vaccines for a specified period of time (eg. 2-3 week supply). You can expect to place orders for vaccine on a regular schedule, and receive vaccine shipments on a regular schedule (subject to vaccine manufacturer supply). A link to an online registration form, as well as additional information on how the new distribution model will be implemented, will be sent in the coming weeks.

Registration will be required even for those who have administered the influenza vaccine before, because it will provide us with the necessary information to implement the survey system.

Influenza vaccines are distributed to all Canadian jurisdictions over a period of several weeks to months, starting mid to late September. Any delays from the manufacturers or Health Canada during their regulatory processes can affect the timing of product arriving in Manitoba and shipments to health care providers. We anticipate that the new distribution model, as stated above, will allow for increased efficiency when mitigating delays and shortages of this nature.

All providers/facilities are expected to order based on their anticipated usage for the specified time period in each survey and not for the entire season. Failure to reconcile vaccine doses ordered and administered as per Manitoba's Immunization Registry may result in providers/facilities receiving fewer doses than ordered. It is therefore critical that all doses of influenza vaccine that are administered be reported to Manitoba Health. The provincial goal is for influenza vaccine wastage to be less than 5% at the end of the season.

Manitoba Health requests that health care providers update their vaccine availability on the COVID-19 & Influenza Vaccine Finder Map (www.manitoba.ca/flushotfinder) on a weekly basis, at minimum. This will allow Manitoba Health to identify to the public where the influenza vaccine is available.

Historically speaking, manufacturers supplying Canada with influenza vaccine have experienced shortages or delays in the delivery of their vaccines for various reasons, which are beyond the control of the provinces and territories, including Manitoba. As in previous years, health care providers are encouraged to start offering influenza vaccine to their patients as soon as they receive product. Orders will not be expedited due to failure to ensure sufficient product on hand for scheduled appointments/clinics.

+ 2021/22 Influenza Season

October 26, 2021

Influenza vaccine delivery to providers in Group 1 (client IDs ending in 0 to 3) the majority of providers in Group 2 (client IDs ending in 4 to 6) is complete. Review and approval of orders for providers in Group 3 (client IDs ending in 7 to 9) started on October 25.

Once delivery to Group 3 is complete, delivery to locations who ordered after the Sep 3rd deadline will begin, pending receipt of additional flu vaccine at the warehouse.

PLEASE NOTE: The Provincial Vaccine Warehouse is prioritizing flu and COVID vaccine orders so please expect slightly longer than normal turnaround time for all other non-emergency vaccine orders.


October 19, 2021

NOTICE OF PRODUCT SUBSTITUTION:  at this time, there are no influenza vaccine products available in the pre-filled syringe format. Any orders for this format may be substituted for vials until additional doses come in.

Influenza vaccine delivery to the majority of providers in Group 1 (client IDs ending in 0 to 3) is complete and delivery to providers in Group 2 (client IDs ending in 4 to 6) began on October 4 and is expected to continue into next week.

Once delivery to the majority of Group 1 & 2 is complete, delivery to Group 3 will begin.


October 4, 2021

Influenza vaccine delivery to Group 1 began on September 28th and will continue this week. Group 2 influenza order review is ongoing and distribution to this group began this week and will occur alongside the remaining Group 1 orders.


September 22, 2021

Manitoba's first shipment of influenza vaccine has arrived at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse and has passed quality inspection. Influenza vaccine delivery to priority locations began today and is expected to continue into next week. Delivery to Group 1 will begin once the previous group has been completed. Additional doses are expected to arrive on Monday, September 27th.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF ORDERS BEING SHIPPED DURING THE FLU SEASON AND THE ONGOING SHIPPING OF COVID VACCINES, PROVIDERS MAY EXPERIENCE LONGER THAN NORMAL WAIT TIMES FOR ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION ORDERS.


August 18, 2021

REMINDER: 2021/22 Seasonal Influenza and Pneumococcal Ordering Process for locations that currently order vaccines and biologics directly in PHIMS (Please ignore if you do not currently order any vaccines through PHIMS)

Please follow the steps below to ensure your influenza order is created successfully:

1. CREATE a requisition in PHIMS
2. ADD the required products and quantities.  Please pay special attention to the number of doses per box for each item.  If you are ordering High-Dose influenza vaccine, please identify the name of the location(s) in the comments field.
3. CLICK on the "Save Requisition" button. This will save the requisition in "Draft" status.
4. LEAVE the requisition in DRAFT status – DO NOT hit the "Submit Requisition" button.
5. Your vaccine order has now been sent – you do not need to do anything further. DO NOT hit "Submit Requisition."*

*NOTE: Submitted orders will be deleted and will need to be recreated in PHIMS.

If you are ordering on behalf of a facility or location that has clients who are eligible for High-Dose influenza vaccine, please add that information within the comments on your requisition for tracking purposes, as described in the above steps.

If you have any questions, please email vaccines@gov.mb.ca

July 23, 2021

Flu and Pneu-P-23 Vaccine Ordering Process for 2021/22

All providers/facilities can place their flu and/or Pneu-P-23 vaccine order between August 3 and September 3, 2021. Orders received prior to August 3rd will NOT be accepted and will need to be resubmitted on, or after August 3, 2021.

All flu/Pneu-P-23 vaccine orders will be shipped according to the following schedule:

  1. priority locations - including hospitals, long-term care facilities and First Nations communities
  2. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3
  3. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 4, 5 or 6
  4. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 7, 8 or 9
  5. providers/facilities that order after 4 p.m. on September 3rd, 2021.

Influenza vaccine will begin shipping based on the above schedule when product arrives in Manitoba. Flu vaccines are distributed to all Canadian jurisdictions over a period of several weeks to months, starting mid to late September.

All providers/facilities MUST order based on the amount administered and reported last season to reduce wastage. Failure to reconcile vaccine doses ordered and administered as per Manitoba's Immunization Registry may result in providers/facilities receiving fewer doses than ordered. It is therefore critical that all doses of flu vaccine that are administered be reported to Manitoba Health. Flu vaccine wastage should be less than 10% at the end of the season. Subsequent orders can be placed (at no penalty to the provider/facility), while supplies last.

Manitoba Health may request that health care providers submit an update of available influenza vaccine doses each week. This will allow Manitoba Health to identify to the public where influenza vaccine is available.

To allow sufficient time to deliver this year's flu vaccine to your facility/clinic, please do not schedule your immunization clinics before November 1, 2021. As in previous years, health care providers are encouraged to start offering flu vaccine to their patients as soon as they receive product, even if prior to November 1st.

Lastly, please take this opportunity to return any unused flu vaccine from the 2020/21 flu season to the Provincial Distribution Warehouse using Manitoba Health's Return Policy and Procedure, available at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/div/docs/vbrpp.pdf

+ 2020/21 Influenza Season

December 15, 2020

Additional influenza vaccine has arrived at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse and orders are being reviewed in the order that they were received.

REMINDER: if you no longer require additional influenza vaccine and you currently have an order placed with the warehouse, please be sure to call the warehouse to cancel your order. Thank you for your cooperation.

PLEASE NOTE: some orders may be substituted with Influsplit Tetra (GSK) in pre-filled syringe format. A letter to health care providers will be included with this product which indicates instructions for use. For pharmacies, please use the Flulaval Tetra DIN# when entering these doses into DPIN. Email vaccines@gov.mb.ca if you have any questions.

Don’t forget to update your influenza stock status on the Flu Shot Finder map: www.manitoba.ca/flushotfinder


December 4, 2020

REMINDER:  MHSC has shipped out all inventory of HD influenza vaccine. There is not any stock remaining in our inventory for reorders. We do not anticipate receiving any additional doses for the 2020/21 season due to availability of supply.

Please refer to the following letter to health care providers sent on November 30th, for an update on the Flulaval Tetra lot# KX9F7.


November 17, 2020

Please note the following update sent to health care providers on November 14th:

Urgent Action Required: FluLaval Tetra Vaccine Lot Number KX9F7

For locations that are now holding their entire stock of flu vaccine while we await the resolution of this issue, please place an order through the normal influenza vaccine ordering process ONLY for doses required up to November 27th and include a note in the “Special Delivery Instructions” field that it is for replacement FluLaval doses. Previous orders will be reviewed to confirm that vaccine is going to locations that received the affected lot.

For all other locations, please note that regular orders for influenza vaccine will be on hold while we work through these replacement orders. Please do not submit any additional regular influenza orders at this time.


November 9, 2020

FLU SHOT FINDER TOOL LAUNCHED TO HELP MANITOBANS ACCESS FLU VACCINE ACROSS PROVINCE

CLICK HERE to see the media release.

The Flu Shot Finder, developed in collaboration with GeoManitoba, uses an interactive map to show where people can find their flu vaccine. People can enter an address, or choose ‘my location’ and the map will populate with nearby locations, including physicians' offices, pharmacies and public health offices, that are offering the vaccine. Other filters include walk-in locations or any age limitations.

FOR IMMUNIZATION PROVIDERS: to update your influenza vaccine availability on our new Flu Shot Finder Map CLICK HERE. (Please note: the survey works best when opened using Mozilla Firefox, Safari or Google Chrome web browsers; please ensure that you are using one of these before attempting to fill out the survey).


November 6, 2020

All initial orders to priority locations as well as Groups 1, 2 & 3 have been shipped.

Review and approval of second orders (and those that were placed after the September 11th deadline) is underway. Orders placed by providers for additional vaccine exceeds what is currently available at the Provincial Vaccine Warehouse. Additional vaccine is expected to be available in the coming weeks but the overall quantity has not been confirmed. Therefore, orders may be reduced at this time, based on number of doses administered last year while taking into account an increase in public demand this season.

2nd orders to priority locations (Hospitals, Personal Care Homes and First Nation Communities) are currently being processed and then all other provider orders will follow in the order that they were received.

There are hundreds of thousands of doses currently available for Manitobans who want to be immunized at providers throughout the province. Our priority is to provide the broadest access possible to flu vaccines for all Manitobans.


October 23, 2020

Influenza vaccine delivery to the majority of providers in Group 1 (client IDs ending in 4 to 6) is complete and delivery to providers in Group 2 (client IDs ending in 7 to 9) began on October 21. Review and approval of orders for providers in Group 3 (client IDs ending in 0 to 3) started on October 23.

Delivery to the majority of providers in Group 2 & 3 is expected to be complete by October 30th. Once delivery to Group 2 & 3 is complete, delivery to locations who ordered after the Sep 11th deadline will begin.

PLEASE NOTE: The Provincial Vaccine Warehouse is prioritizing flu vaccine orders so please expect slightly longer than normal turnaround time for all other non-emergency vaccine orders.


October 19, 2020

NOTICE OF PRODUCT SUBSTITUTION:  at this time, there are no additional doses of the High-Dose Influenza vaccine available for order. Any orders for this product may be substituted for the standard dose vaccine at this time.


October 16, 2020

Influenza vaccine delivery to priority locations and providers in Group 1 is ongoing and delivery to immunization providers in Group 2 will begin next week. The Provincial Vaccine Warehouse is prioritizing flu vaccine orders so please expect slightly longer than normal turnaround time for all other non-emergency vaccine orders.

PLEASE NOTE: all pre-filled syringes have now been assigned to orders and we do not anticipate receiving any more of this format until December. Any orders for pre-filled syringes will automatically be substituted for the multi-dose vial format. We apologize for the inconvenience.


October 7, 2020

Influenza vaccine delivery to priority locations is ongoing and delivery to immunization providers in Group 1 will begin on October 8 and continue into next week.  Delivery to Group 2 will begin once the previous group has been completed. The Provincial Vaccine Warehouse is prioritizing flu vaccine orders so please expect slightly longer than normal turnaround time for all other non-emergency vaccine orders.


September 24, 2020

Manitoba’s first shipment of influenza vaccine has arrived at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse and has passed quality inspection.  Influenza vaccine delivery to priority locations began on September 23 and is expected to continue into next week.  Delivery to Group 1 will begin once the previous group has been completed.  Additional doses are expected to arrive on Friday, September 25th.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF ORDERS BEING SHIPPED DURING THE FLU SEASON, PROVIDERS MAY EXPERIENCE LONGER THAN NORMAL WAIT TIMES FOR ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION ORDERS.


August 25, 2020

NEW ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR HIGH-DOSE INFLUENZA VACCINE AND UPDATES TO THE INFLUENZA PROGRAM IN 2020/21

Please note that the eligibility criteria for High-Dose Influenza vaccine have been expanded and now include the following eligible clients:

Individuals who are 65 years of age or older, AND

  • Residents of long-term care facilities, including chronic care residents, OR
  • Residents of supportive and assisted living housing, OR
  • Clients in interim/transitional care beds, respite care clients as well as new, unimmunized residents admitted to a LTCF during the flu season, OR
  • In a provincial correctional facility, including those who are newly incarcerated or transferred from other federal or out of province correctional facilities, OR
  • Receiving homecare services while on a waiting list for admission into a long-term care facility, OR
  • Living on a First Nation or remote/isolated community, OR
  • Living north of the 53rd parallel of latitude

High-dose influenza vaccine will only be shipped to immunization providers who will provide on-site clinics to eligible facilities as listed above OR those providing services to eligible homecare clients, individuals living in First Nation or remote/isolated communities and those living north of the 53rd parallel.

Assisted Living: Also referred to as Independent Living or Retirement Residence with services. They are private seniors living building where tenants rent suites. The residence may offer various services such as housekeeping, meals, and recreation. It is not associated with the health care system and is not an insured service. Nurses may be on site but their responsibilities at each location may vary.

Supportive Housing: They are facilities for people who require access to 24 hour supervision and some assistance managing with physical limitations, or ongoing health conditions such as dementia. Residents receive support with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and medication reminders. The rent and services components are paid by the resident. The support component of this service is funded through the Regional Health Authorities of Manitoba.

You may now place your order for influenza vaccine.  Please use the new combined 2020/21 MHSC Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine Order Form https://www.manitoba.ca/health/flu/images/reader.gif between August 17, 2020 and September 11, 2020 (4pm) to be placed in your respective distribution group.


July 15, 2020

Flu and Pneu-P-23 Vaccine Ordering Process

All providers/facilities can place their flu and/or Pneu-P-23 vaccine order between August 17 and September 11, 2020, using the 2020/21 Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine Order Form (above).

Orders received prior to August 17th will NOT be accepted and will need to be resubmitted on, or after, August 17, 2020.

All flu/Pneu-P-23 vaccine orders will be shipped according to the following schedule:
1. priority locations - including hospitals, long-term care facilities and First Nations communities
2. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 4, 5 or 6
3. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 7, 8 or 9
4. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3
5. providers/facilities that order after 4 p.m. on September 11th, 2020.

Influenza vaccine will begin shipping based on the above schedule when product arrives in Manitoba. Flu vaccines are distributed to all Canadian jurisdictions over a period of several weeks to months, starting mid to late September. Any delays from the manufacturers or Health Canada during their regulatory processes can affect the timing of product arriving in Manitoba and shipments to health care providers.

All providers/facilities MUST order based on the amount administered and reported last season to reduce wastage. Failure to reconcile vaccine doses ordered and administered as per Manitoba’s Immunization Registry may result in providers/facilities receiving fewer doses than ordered. It is therefore critical that all doses of flu vaccine that are administered be reported to MHSC. Flu vaccine wastage should be less than 10% at the end of the season. Subsequent orders can be placed (at no penalty to the provider/facility), while supplies last.

Manitoba Health may request that health care providers submit an update of available influenza vaccine doses each week. This will allow MHSC to identify to the public where influenza vaccine is available.

Influenza Product Updates for 2020/21:

NEW: Afluria® Tetra - available in pre-filled syringes as well as multi-dose vial format. Age indication is 5 years of age and older. As such, please indicate on the order form what percentage of your total doses you are able to accept with this age indication in the space provided.

FluMist® Nasal Spray – for the 2020/21 influenza season, Manitoba will not be offering influenza nasal spray vaccine as part of Manitoba’s Seasonal Influenza Program. Supply may be available in the private market where a prescription would be required.


May 27, 2020

Historically speaking, manufacturers supplying Canada with flu vaccine have experienced shortages or delays in the delivery of their vaccines for various reasons, which are beyond the control of the provinces and territories, including Manitoba. To allow for sufficient time to deliver this year’s flu vaccine to your facility/clinic, do not schedule your immunization clinics before November 1, 2020. As in previous years, health care providers are encouraged to start offering flu vaccine to their patients as soon as they receive product, even if prior to November 1.

Please take this opportunity to return any unused flu vaccine from the 2019/20 flu season to the Provincial Distribution Warehouse using MHSC’s Return Policy and Procedure, available at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/div/docs/vbrpp.pdf.

For more information, click here.

+ 2019/20 Influenza Season
December 16, 2019

Clinicians are encouraged to continue to offer the flu vaccine to all Manitobans aged six months and older. An annual flu vaccine is especially important for those at increased risk of serious illness from the flu, their caregivers and close contacts. Please be advised that flu vaccine is no longer available for order through the provincial distribution warehouse for this flu season. However, there is ample flu vaccine supply available across the province to continue to meet public demand. If your facility/clinic’s flu vaccine supply is depleted, please encourage your clients to contact a nearby doctor’s office, pharmacy and/or public health office/nursing station.


October 30, 2019

Influenza vaccine delivery to immunization providers in Group 2 (client IDs ending in 0 to 3) will continue and is expected to be completed by Friday.  To ensure that orders are being sent out at max capacity, delivery to Group 3 (client IDs ending in 4 to 6) has also started and is expected to be complete by Friday, November 8. 

REMINDER: the Provincial Vaccine Warehouse is prioritizing flu vaccine orders so please expect slightly longer than normal turnaround time for all other non-emergency vaccine orders.


October 22, 2019

Influenza vaccine delivery to immunization providers in Group 2 began on October 21 and is expected to continue into next week.  Delivery to Group 3 will begin once the previous group has been completed.  The Provincial Vaccine Warehouse is prioritizing flu vaccine orders so please expect slightly longer than normal turnaround time for all other non-emergency vaccine orders.


October 16, 2019

Due to power outages experienced across the province last week and into this week, MHSC is anticipates an increased number of cold chain breaks in refrigerators that lost power for extended periods of time. If your location experienced a cold chain break (vaccine was exposed to temperatures outside of the normal 2 to 8 degrees Celsius), please refer to Manitoba Health's Adverse Storage Condition Form and Procedure, fill out the form at the end and return it to MHSC at 204-948-2190. Please keep any affected vaccines refrigerated until you have called the manufacturers and received a recommendation.

The Provincial Vaccine Warehouse is currently working on delivery to Group 1 (Client ID's ending in 7 to 9) and the majority should be delivered by the end of the week, provided there are no additional delays due to weather. Shipping to Group 2 (Client ID's ending in 0 to 3) will begin once the previous group has been completed.

Thank you for your understanding.


October 2, 2019

RE: Reduction of Influenza Vaccine Orders

All manufacturers supplying Canada with influenza vaccine are experiencing shortages or delays in the delivery of their vaccines for various reasons. This will result in delays of vaccine delivery to Manitoba and may also impact the volume of influenza vaccines that were anticipated in Manitoba.  All provinces and territories are impacted by this situation, and it is beyond the control of the provinces and territories, including Manitoba.

As a result, all health care provider orders are being reduced, in order to ensure that as many health care provider locations as possible receive vaccine as quickly as possible. Additional health care provider orders will depend on vaccine availability.

Product substitutions will occur depending on the products that are available.

Due to uncertainty around the volume of doses that will be received by Manitoba and the date when these doses will arrive in Manitoba, the shipping schedule is not known at this time. Manitoba Health will update the distribution timelines online at www.Manitoba.ca/fludistribution when more information becomes available.

Thank-you for your co-operation in this matter

September 26, 2019

Manitoba Health was notified by Health Canada that a portion of influenza vaccine doses destined for Canada has not yet been approved for distribution. As a result, a new national allocation plan has been developed. 

**MHSC will receive approximately 65% of the entire Flu zone High-Dose order by Sep 30th, 10% by October 15th and the remaining 25% in November. As such, delivery to Long Term Care facilities will be staggered and will be completed according to the sequence that orders were received. 

RE: High Dose Influenza (Fluzone® HD) supply update

Manitoba Health was notified early this week that Sanofi Pasteur, the manufacturer of High Dose Influenza Vaccine (Fluzone® HD), was experiencing delays in the delivery of Fluzone® HD to Canadian jurisdictions. Although the majority of the Fluzone® HD doses ordered by Manitoba will be received on time, based on the most current data approximately 25% of doses will be delayed, arriving in Manitoba in late November. Each location that orders Fluzone® HD based on the current eligibility criteria will receive 75-80% of their initial Fluzone® HD order on schedule and this should be administered to residents/patients as soon as possible.

Facilities requiring additional doses are asked to place a second order after October 15th.

Thank-you for your co-operation in this matter. If you have any further questions please email MHSC at Vaccines@gov.mb.ca. Updates pertaining to flu vaccine distribution/supply, including shortages and delays will be posted on this page.


August 20, 2019

School & Routine Immunization Order Cut-Off Date: September 6, 2019

In an effort to deliver influenza vaccine to immunization providers as early as possible, MHSC requests that orders for all other non-emergency routine immunizations needed in September and October be placed prior to September 6, 2019 so that orders may be shipped out prior to influenza vaccine arrival. This includes orders for school immunization programs. PLEASE NOTE: Delivery of routine immunization orders (with the exception of emergency products such as Rabies vaccine and immune globulins) will be put on hold temporarily once influenza vaccine has arrived in Manitoba and will resume shipping as determined by MHSC.

Please see the following letter for additional information: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/docs/hcp/2019/082019.pdf


July 15, 2019

Influenza Product Updates for 2019/20:

PLEASE NOTE: FluMist® Quadrivalent (AstraZeneca) will not be available in Canada for the 2019/20 influenza season.

NEW: Afluria® Tetra - available in pre-filled syringe format. Age indication is 5 years of age and older. As such, this product will be used to fill pharmacy orders for pre-filled syringes, while supplies last.

2019/20 Flu and Pneu-P-23 Vaccine Ordering Process:

Providers/facilities can place their flu and/or Pneu-P-23 vaccine order between August 15 and September 13, 2019, using the 2019/20 Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine Order Form (www.manitoba.ca/health/flu/distribution.html). Orders received prior to August 15th will NOT be accepted and will need to be resubmitted on, or after, August 15, 2019.

All flu/Pneu-P-23 vaccine orders will be shipped according to the following schedule:

1.hospitals, long-term care facilities and First Nations communities
2.providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 7, 8 or 9
3.providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3
4.providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 4, 5 or 6
5.providers/facilities that order after 4 p.m. on September 13th, 2019.

Did you know you could place your order via email?
Fill out the 2019/20 Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine Order Form online and email to vacmda@gov.mb.ca to avoid fax machine busy signals and have a record of exactly when you sent it.

Influenza vaccine will begin shipping based on the above schedule when product arrives in Manitoba. Vaccine is expected to arrive around the end of September. Any delays from the manufacturer can affect the timing of product arriving in Manitoba and shipments to health care providers.

All providers/facilities MUST order based on the amount administered and reported last season to reduce wastage. Failure to reconcile vaccine doses ordered with administered as per Manitoba’s Immunization Registry may result in providers/facilities receiving fewer doses than ordered. It is therefore critical that all doses of flu vaccine that are administered be reported to MHSC. Flu vaccine wastage should be less than 10% at the end of the season. Subsequent orders can be placed (at no penalty to the provider/facility), while supplies last.

In the event that increased demand is seen, MHSC may require health care providers to complete an inventory count each week of available influenza vaccine doses. This will allow MHSC to identify to the public where influenza vaccine is available.

For more information please see the following letter sent to health care providers on June 20, 2019: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/docs/hcp/2019/062019.pdf

+ 2018/19 Influenza Season

November 1, 2018

PLEASE NOTE: FLUZONE QUADRIVALENT IN PRE-FILLED SYRINGE FORMAT IS NOW OUT OF STOCK.  ORDERS FOR PRE-FILLED SYRINGES WILL BE SUBSTITUTED FOR MULTI-DOSE VIALS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

Please see the following table for estimated shipping timelines for each distribution group for influenza vaccine orders in 2018/19:

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin*

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities

N/A

COMPLETE.

2

0 to 3

COMPLETE.

Long Term Care

N/A

COMPLETE.

3

4 to 6

COMPLETE.

4

7 to 9

COMPLETE.

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 14, 2018

Shipments to this group began on October 31st and are ongoing.

Manitoba’s second shipment of Flumist QLAIV is not scheduled to arrive until November 13. Therefore, any order for Flumist that is being processed prior to the product release at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse will be placed on backorder and will ship at a later date.


October 3, 2018

Please see the following table for estimated shipping timelines for each distribution group for influenza vaccine orders in 2018/19:

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin*

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities

N/A

Shipments to these priority locations began on Sep 18th and is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

2

0 to 3

Shipments to this group began on Sep 24 and is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

Long Term Care

N/A

Shipments to this group will start today and continue into next week.

3

4 to 6

October 10, 2018

4

7 to 9

October 17, 2018

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 14, 2018

October 31, 2018

*These dates are APPROXIMATE. Immunization providers should expect to receive their orders AFTER the dates indicated above, not before. Any delays in receiving products from manufacturers or disruptions due to other unforeseen circumstances may result in changes to the above estimates.

Flumist QLAIV is not scheduled to arrive until October 9th. Therefore, any order for Flumist that is being processed prior to the product release at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse will be placed on backorder and will ship at a later date.


September 20, 2018

Manitoba's first shipment of influenza vaccine in pre-filled syringe format was delayed and has now arrived and been released at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse. Orders which include pre-filled syringes are now being filled for priority locations and will continue into next week. All other delivery timelines are expected to stay the same.


September 13, 2018

Please see the following table for estimated shipping timelines for each distribution group for influenza vaccine orders in 2018/19:

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin*

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities, Long Term Care**

N/A

September 18, 2018

2

0 to 3

September 24, 2018

Long Term Care**

N/A

October 2, 2018

3

4 to 6

October 10, 2018

4

7 to 9

October 17, 2018

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 14, 2018

October 31, 2018

*These dates are APPROXIMATE.  Immunization providers should expect to receive their orders AFTER the dates indicated above, not before.  Any delays in receiving products from manufacturers or disruptions due to other unforeseen circumstances may result in changes to the above estimates.

**MHSC will receive approximately 50% of the entire Fluzone High-Dose order on September 17th and the remainder on October 1st.  As such, delivery to Long Term Care facilities will be staggered and will be completed according to the sequence that orders were received. 

Flumist QLAIV is not scheduled to arrive until October 9th.  Therefore, any order for Flumist that is being processed prior to the product release at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse will be placed on backorder and will ship at a later date.


September 12, 2018

The first shipment of influenza vaccine is scheduled to arrive at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse on September 17, 2018.  After product has passed quality inspection and has been received into the system, orders for priority locations (Hospitals, Long Term Care Homes and First Nation Communities) will commence.  A preliminary distribution timeline will be posted later this week with estimated dates shipments are expected to begin for each distribution group.

*****All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine AFTER the date indicated for their distribution group.  Delivery to your distribution group will begin once shipping to the previous group has been completed.  Expected shipment dates will be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed.*****

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF ORDERS BEING SHIPPED DURING THE FLU SEASON, PROVIDERS MAY EXPERIENCE LONGER THAN NORMAL WAIT TIMES FOR ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION ORDERS.


August 1, 2018

2018/19 Seasonal Influenza (Flu) and Pneumococcal Orders

Providers/facilities can start placing their flu and/or Pneu-P-23 vaccine order between August 15 and September 14, 2018, using The Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine Order Form: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/protocol/influpnevcorderform.pdf

Orders received prior to August 15 will NOT be accepted and will need to be resubmitted on, or after, August 15, 2018.

All flu/Pneu-P-23 vaccine orders will be shipped according to the following schedule:

  1. hospitals, long-term care facilities and First Nations communities
  2. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3
  3. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 4, 5 or 6
  4. providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 7, 8 or 9
  5. providers/facilities that order after 4 p.m. on September 14, 2018.

All providers/facilities MUST order based on the amount administered last year to reduce wastage.

Failure to reconcile vaccine doses ordered with administered may result in providers/facilities receiving fewer doses than ordered.  It is therefore paramount that all flu vaccine doses administered be reported to MHSC.

Flu vaccine wastage should be less than 10% at the end of the season.
Subsequent orders can be placed (at no penalty to the provider/facility), while supplies last.

Additional information was sent out on June 14, 2018.  See full communication here: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/docs/hcp/2018/061418.pdf

+ 2017/18 Influenza Season

November 8, 2017

Shipping of influenza vaccine orders received prior to the October 31st, 2017 deadline has begun.  All orders are being reviewed and reductions/substitutions are being made where necessary to ensure equitable distribution of the remaining supply on hand. 

Manitoba's second delivery of Flumist® Quadrivalent Nasal Spray is expected to arrive at the end of November. Any requests for this product that were received prior to October 31st, 2017 are being placed on backorder and will be shipped to health care providers once the product has been received.


October 24, 2017

Please be advised that the deadline to submit all second seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine orders is Tuesday, October 31st 2017 at 4:00 pm.

Please ensure all flu vaccine doses are recorded in the Manitoba Immunization Registry (via direct entry into Panorama, Physician Billings or DPIN OR by submitting the immunization inputting form available online at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/div/docs/iifhcp.pdf

Estimated delivery timelines for second orders will be posted after the October 31st deadline.


October 24, 2017

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin**

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities

N/A

Completed. 

2

4 to 6

Completed. 

Long Term Care*

N/A

Completed.

3

7 to 9

Completed.

4

0 to 3

Shipping to this group started October 17th and is expected to continue into next week.

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2017

October 31, 2017

**All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine ON OR AFTER the date indicated for their distribution group.  Delivery to your distribution group will begin once shipping to the previous group has been completed.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available.


October 18, 2017

NOTICE OF PRODUCT SUBSTITUTION Supply of the influenza vaccine Flumist® Quadrivalent Nasal Spray has now been depleted at Manitoba's Provincial Distribution Warehouse. Any orders for this product will be substituted with an injectable influenza vaccine in the multi-dose vial or pre-filled syringe format to ensure timely delivery of vaccine orders while we await our next shipment in November.


October 10, 2017

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin**

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities

N/A

Completed. 

2

4 to 6

Completed. 

Long Term Care*

N/A

Shipping to Long Term Care Facilities is expected to be complete by October 16.

3

7 to 9

Shipping to this group has started and is expected to be complete by October 16.

4

0 to 3

October 17, 2017

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2017

October 31, 2017

**All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine ON OR AFTER the date indicated for their distribution group.  Delivery to your distribution group will begin once shipping to the previous group has been completed.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed, with the exception of the Priority groups.


October 6, 2017

Manitoba's Provincial Distribution Warehouse (MDA) has received the first shipment of Fluzone High-Dose and it has passed internal quality inspections.  Shipping of orders to Long Term Care Facilities has now started. Until further information on additional product releases is obtained, all other estimated shipping dates will remain the same.


October 3, 2017

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin**

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities

N/A

Shipping to these priority locations began on September 19 and is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

2

4 to 6

Shipping to this group began last week and is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

Long Term Care*

N/A

Fluzone High Dose is expected to arrive October 6 and shipping to LTC facilities is expected to begin October 10, 2017.

3

7 to 9

October 10, 2017

4

0 to 3

October 17, 2017

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2017

October 31, 2017

**All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine ON OR AFTER the date indicated for their distribution group.  Delivery to your distribution group will begin once shipping to the previous group has been completed.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed, with the exception of the Priority groups.


September 28, 2017

Manitoba's Provincial Distribution Warehouse (MDA) has received the first shipment of Flumist Quadrivalent and it has passed internal quality inspections.  Shipping of orders containing Flumist has now started. Until further information on additional product releases is obtained, all other estimated shipping dates will remain the same.


September 18, 2017

Manitoba's Provincial Distribution Warehouse (MDA) has received the first shipment of Fluzone (Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine) and it has passed internal quality inspections.  Shipping of multi-dose vials and pre-filled syringes to priority locations is expected to begin tomorrow.  Until further information on additional product releases is obtained, all other estimated shipping dates will remain the same.


September 8, 2017

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin**

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities

N/A

September 21, 2017

2

4 to 6

September 27, 2017

Long Term Care*

N/A

October 10, 2017

3

7 to 9

October 10, 2017

4

0 to 3

October 17, 2017

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2017

October 31, 2017

*Delivery to Long Term Care Facilities will commence once the Influenza High Dose vaccine arrives at the Provincial Distribution Warehouse, which is expected to be prior to October 6th, 2017 but will be after the receipt of the quadrivalent influenza vaccine.

**All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine ON OR AFTER the date indicated for their distribution group.  Delivery to your distribution group will begin once shipping to the previous group has been completed.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed, with the exception of the Priority groups.

DUE TO THE HIGH VOLUME OF ORDERS BEING SHIPPED DURING THE FLU SEASON, PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU PLACE ANY ORDERS FOR ROUTINE IMMUNIZATIONS AND SCHOOL CLINICS PRIOR TO 3:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2017 TO AVOID ANY DELAYS IN RECEIVING PRODUCT.


June 21, 2017

Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine products available for order by healthcare providers for the 2017/18 influenza season are as follows:

  • Fluzone® Quadrivalent (available in both 10 dose vials and pre-filled syringes)
  • Flulaval® Tetra (available in 10 dose vials)
  • FluMist® Quadrivalent

Please use the MHSC Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccine Order Form to place your orders between August 14th, 2017 and 4:00pm on September 15th, 2017.
All flu/pneumo vaccine orders will be shipped according to the following schedule:

  1. Hospitals, personal care homes and First Nations communities;
  2. Providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 4, 5 or 6;
  3. Providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 7, 8 or 9;
  4. Providers/facilities with client ID (holding point #) ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3;
  5. Providers/facilities that order after 4:00pm on September 15th 2017.

All providers must review their previous flu/pneumo vaccine usage and wastage to order accordingly; repeat orders will be processed after all initial orders have been filled. This approach worked well the previous two years; shipping sequence by client ID/holding point # continues to rotate every year to ensure all providers have equitable access. 

Please see the following letter to health care providers for more detailed information on this year's program.

+ 2016/17 Influenza Season

October 21, 2016

All influenza vaccine currently in stock at Manitoba’s Provincial Vaccine Warehouse has been allocated to orders that will be shipped out shortly. 

The next shipment of FLUZONE Quadrivalent (multi-dose vials) from the manufacturer is expected to arrive on Monday, October 24 . 

The next shipment of FLUMIST Intranasal influenza vaccine is expected to arrive on Wednesday, October 26 at which point shipping of backorders will commence.


October 20, 2016

Please see the newly updated table below for estimated shipping dates.

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities, Long Term Care

N/A

COMPLETED

2

7 to 9

COMPLETED

3

0 to 3

COMPLETED

4

4 to 6

COMPLETED

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2016

Shipping to group 5 has already started and is estimated to finish by Oct 21.  

ALL INFLUENZA ORDERS SUBMITTED FROM THIS POINT FORWARD WILL BE PLACED IN THE QUEUE BASED ON DATE RECEIVED AND SHIPPED OUT ACCORDINGLY ALONGSIDE ORDERS FOR ROUTINE IMMUNIZATIONS.


October 13, 2016

NOTICE OF PRODUCT SUBSTITUTION – Supply of the influenza vaccine FLUZONE®  Pre-Filled Syringe Format has now been depleted at Manitoba’s Provincial Vaccine Warehouse.  Any orders for this product will be substituted with an equivalent influenza vaccine in the multi-dose vial format.


October 12, 2016

Manitoba’s Provincial Vaccine Warehouse continues to work through the third distribution group this week as well as fill all outstanding backorders for Flumist that resulted from a delay in receiving the product from the manufacturer.  Please see the newly updated table below for estimated shipping dates.

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin***

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities, Long Term Care

N/A

COMPLETED

2

7 to 9

COMPLETED

3

0 to 3

October 3, 2016 – expected to be complete by Oct 14

4

4 to 6

Starting October 13, 2016 and through until the following week

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2016

October 20, 2016

***All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine on or after the date indicated for their distribution group.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed, with the exception of the Priority groups.***


October 3, 2016

Manitoba’s Provincial Vaccine Warehouse has received the first shipment of FLUMIST Quadrivalent Nasal Spray today and filling of backorders is expected to begin later this week.  Until further information on additional product releases is obtained, all other estimated shipping dates will remain the same.

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin***

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities, Long Term Care

N/A

COMPLETED*

2

7 to 9

COMPLETED*

3

0 to 3

October 3, 2016

4

4 to 6

October 10, 2016

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2016

October 17, 2016

***All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine on or after the date indicated for their distribution group.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed, with the exception of the Priority groups.***

*Shipping to these groups is complete, minus any Flumist orders, as the first shipment of this product has just arrived in the warehouse.*


September 12, 2016

Manitoba’s Provincial Vaccine Warehouse has received the first shipment of Flulaval Tetra (Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine) and it has passed internal quality inspections.  Shipping of multi-dose vials to priority locations is expected to begin tomorrow.  Until further information on additional product releases is obtained, all other estimated shipping dates will remain the same.

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin*

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities, Long Term Care

N/A

September 13, 2016

2

7 to 9

September 26, 2016

3

0 to 3

October 3, 2016

4

4 to 6

October 10, 2016

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2016

October 17, 2016

***All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine on or after the date indicated for their distribution group.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed, with the exception of the Priority groups.***


September 1, 2016

Distribution Group

Client ID ending in

Shipments expected to begin*

1 – Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities, Long Term Care

N/A

September 19, 2016

2

7 to 9

September 26, 2016

3

0 to 3

October 3, 2016

4

4 to 6

October 10, 2016

5

N/A – Locations that ordered after September 15, 2016

October 17, 2016

***All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine on or after the date indicated for their distribution group.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed, with the exception of the Priority groups.***


August 18, 2016

Manitoba Health has received estimated delivery dates for Influenza Vaccine for the 2016/17 season. 

The following table outlines the expected delivery dates of each product and the cumulative percentage of the total annual order received up to that date.

*More information on when shipments to health care providers are expected to begin will be available shortly*

Date delivered  by: Product Cumulative % of Manitoba's total annual order received
September 15 Flulaval Tetra QIIV (Multi-dose Vials)
Fluzone QIIV (Multi-dose Vials)
Fluzone QIIV (Pre-Filled Syringes)
46%
September 30 – October 5 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 50%
October 1 Flulaval Tetra QIIV (Multi-dose Vials)
Fluzone QIIV (Multi-dose Vials)
Fluzone QIIV (Pre-Filled Syringes)
74%
October 15 Flulaval Tetra QIIV (Multi-dose Vials)
Fluzone QIIV (Multi-dose Vials)
Fluzone QIIV (Pre-Filled Syringes)
88%
October 21 – 30 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 89%
October 30 Flulaval Tetra QIIV (Multi-dose Vials)
Fluzone QIIV (Multi-dose Vials)
Fluzone QIIV (Pre-Filled Syringes)
99%
November 18 – 23 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 100%

July 13, 2016

+ 2015/16 Influenza Season

December 3, 2015

  • MHSC has fulfilled all initial orders for all providers in their designated distribution group
  • All incoming orders of Fluzone should be placed under the Pre Filled Syringes (PFS) format. Any order placed for multi dose vial will be changed to PFS through the Provincial Warehouse

October 23, 2015

MHSC has received a portion of its order of FluMist® Quadrivalent earlier this week and has started shipping doses to providers in the same priority order used to distribute Fluzone® Quadrivalent, Manitoba’s other allotted flu vaccine.

All initial provider orders have nearly been filled of Fluzone® Quadrivalent (multi-dose vials).

MHSC continues to expect arrival of Fluzone® Quadrivalent (pre-filled syringes) to Manitoba next week; processing and shipping of all backorders will begin at that time.


October 6, 2015

Distribution Group Client ID ending in Shipments expected to begin*
Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities, Long Term Care N/A September 18, 2015
1 0-3 September 23, 2015
2 4-6 October 6, 2015
3 7-9 October 14, 2015

* All dates approximate.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine on or after the date indicated for their distribution group.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available. Second orders will be shipped once the initial orders for all groups have been processed, with the exception of the Priority groups.

Date delivered by Product % of Manitoba's total annual order
September 15 Fluzone Multi-dose Vials (MDV) 57%
October 1 Fluzone MDV 70%
October 20 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 74%
October 30 Fluzone Pre-Filled Syringe (PFS) 100%
Fluzone Multi-dose Vials (MDV)
Flumist QIV Nasal Spray

September 18, 2015

Distribution Group Client ID ending in Shipments expected to begin*
Priority – Hospitals, First Nation Communities, Long Term Care N/A September 18, 2015
1 0-3 September 23, 2015
2 4-6 September 30, 2015
3 7-9 TBD

* All dates approximate.  Shipping to each distribution group will be completed before shipping to the next group begins.  Providers can expect to receive vaccine on or after the date indicated for their distribution group.  Expected shipment dates will continue to be updated as information becomes available.

Last updated: September 18, 2015.


September 15, 2015

Date delivered by Product % of total
September 15 Fluzone MDV 57%
October 1 Fluzone MDV 72%
October 20 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 75%
October 30 Fluzone MDV and Fluzone PFS 95%
November 8 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 97%
November 23 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 100%

September 1, 2015

  1. Hospitals, personal care homes (PCHs) and First Nations communities
  2. Providers/facilities with Client ID ending in 0 to 3
  3. Providers/facilities with Client ID ending in 4 to 6
  4. Providers/facilities with Client ID ending in 7 to 9
  • All providers must review their previous flu/pneumo vaccine usage and wastage to order accordingly; repeat orders will be processed after all initial orders have been filled. If this approach works well, shipping sequence by Client ID will change year to year to ensure that all providers will have equitable access–that is, 0-3 will be first this year, second next year, third the year after, etc.

August 21, 2015

Manitoba has been provided the following delivery schedule of when Influenza vaccine is expected to be delivered throughout Canada, the product to be delivered in Manitoba, and the percentage of Manitoba’s total annual order. The exact date of delivery to Manitoba may be different.

Date delivered by Product % of Manitoba’s total annual order
September 15 Fluzone Multi-dose Vials (MDV) 57%
October 1 Fluzone MDV 72%
October 15 Fluzone MDV 82%
October 20 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 85%
October 30 Fluzone Pre-Filled Syringe (PFS) 96%
November 8 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 97%
November 23 Flumist QIV Nasal Spray 100%

August 20, 2015


July 15, 2015

  • AstraZeneca has experienced production delays affecting delivery of FluMist® Quadrivalent to Canada. Manitoba’s first shipment of partial doses is expected to arrive mid-October instead of September. Remaining doses are to arrive November and December.
  • Sanofi has advised that the pre-filled syringes of Fluzone® Quadrivalent will be delivered October (exact date TBD).

July 14, 2015

  • Manitoba’s 2015-16 quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccine order is expected to consist of:
    • 81.8% Fluzone® Quadrivalent, an inactivated influenza vaccine in multi-dose vials administered intramuscularly and manufactured by Sanofi;
    • 10.7% Fluzone® Quadrivalent, an inactivated influenza vaccine in pre-filled syringes administered intramuscularly and manufactured by Sanofi; and,
    • 7.5% FluMist® Quadrivalent a live attenuated influenza vaccine administered intranasally manufactured by Astra Zeneca.
  • Manufacturers for inactivated influenza vaccine are contractually obligated to provide 50% of the supply in September, with the remaining supply arriving throughout the month of October.
  • As FluMist® Quadrivalent has a shorter shelf life, the delivery of the product to provinces and territories is spread out throughout the influenza season with the majority of product being delivered in September and October in order to maximize the shelf life for supply availability.