Call to Action - April 14, 2022: COVID-19 Vaccine and Storage Updates, PCR Testing Access, Pre-op Testing Update

COVID-19 Vaccine and Storage Updates

Please see the link below for a letter providing updates on Novavax vaccines, updated recommendations on booster doses for those 12-17 years of age and those 18 years of age and older, and reminders on the storage and handling requirements for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

In addition, see the link for the updated MDA COVID Vaccine Order form that includes Novavax in the product listing. 

For more information, click on the link:  Province of Manitoba | Independent Immunization Partners Channel (gov.mb.ca)

PCR Testing Access

As a reminder, effective April 15, 2022, provincial COVID-19 testing sites will be closing in Manitoba.

Pre-Op Testing Update

Please note the following changes to Pre-Operative COVID-19 Testing which also take effect April 15:

DAY 10 PRE-OPERATIVE PCR TEST: Patients requiring the Day 10 pre-operative swab should be directed to see their primary care provider for a PCR test, with results to be completed at Cadham Provincial Lab. In the event a Day 10 pre-operative swab is not able to be scheduled, due to clinic closure or other reason, a swab collected up to and including Day 15 pre-op will be accepted;

OR

DAY 10 PRE-OPERATIVE Rapid Antigen TEST: If the patient is unable to access a Day 10 pre-operative PCR test through a primary care provider, patients should conduct a self-administered Rapid Antigen Test at home on Day 10 before surgery. If the result is positive, the patients should inform their surgeon’s office.

As well, beginning April 19, The Day 1 (day before surgery) pre-operative swab will change to a Day 0 (day of surgery) rapid test at a designated area within the surgical site.

For more information on these changes, see:

Leads (or delegates) review and share accordingly.

Info Sharing

Media Release