Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care is reminding Manitobans of the health-care options available to them this respiratory virus season, which started earlier and is more severe than last year. Severe outcomes are already occurring, particularly in unvaccinated people and can affect otherwise healthy children, and include hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths.

Getting immunized with all eligible seasonal immunizations is one of the most effective ways to stay protected. Every vaccinated person makes a difference in protecting those who are most vulnerable and easing the burden on the health-care system.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are free for all Manitobans aged six months and older and are widely available at pharmacies, medical clinics, public health offices, access centres, nursing stations and health centres. Though preliminary data suggests this year’s influenza vaccine may not be as close a match as usual with one of the strains circulating in the community, the vaccine is still expected to provide significant protection against severe influenza illness and other circulating influenza strains.

Additionally, all babies born between Oct. 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, are eligible to be immunized against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). All babies can receive a single dose of nirsevimab prior to discharge from hospital. Those who missed their dose before discharge will be able to access it through local public health offices, nursing stations and other designated locations. Expectant parents should speak to health-care providers about the RSV antibody if their baby is expected to be born during RSV season.

Most people with a respiratory infection do not require medical care and will recover in a few days to weeks. Some people will develop complications like pneumonia, bronchitis or ear infections, and may require hospitalization. Certain individuals are at a higher risk of severe illness including people 65 years and older, children under the age of five years, people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant people. Antiviral treatments for the flu may be recommended to prevent severe illness in certain individuals at high risk of becoming seriously ill. Individuals with severe symptoms or at a higher risk of severe illness should contact their health-care provider to determine if testing and treatment are recommended.

Manitobans who need care can:

  • call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free);
  • visit Shared Health’s Where to Go tool to find the best place to seek care at sharedhealthmb.ca;
  • use Medinav (medinav.ca) to book same-day or next-day appointments at participating clinics including evenings, weekends and holidays; and
  • use QDoc’s 24/7 virtual care service to be connected to a local doctor or nurse practitioner at qdoc.ca.

For more information on influenza, visit gov.mb.ca.

For more information on vaccine preventable respiratory illnesses, visit manitoba.ca.

For a map of locations registered to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines, visit manitoba.ca.