By Canadian Press

COVID-19 vaccination rates on the Prairies grow slowly after initial rush

Jun 17, 2021 | 12:56 PM

WINNIPEG – The rush to get initial doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the Prairies is slowing down, with the rate of the eligible population getting a first shot hovering around 70 per cent in the three provinces.

Microbiologist Dr. Phillipe Lagace-Wiens at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg says a sort of saturation point has been reached with first shots.

Timothy Caulfield, who specializes in health law and policy at the University of Alberta, says he is seeing the same trend in Alberta.

Both men say people who have not yet been vaccinated include pandemic deniers, people who are hesitant and those who face mobility, cultural or socio-economic barriers.

Recent data compiled by the Manitoba government estimates 69 per cent of Manitobans were “keeners” intent on getting doses as soon as they could.

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It said another 12 per cent were likely to get the vaccine but were not in a rush, about nine per cent were skeptical and undecided, and fewer than 10 per cent were adamant that they would not get a shot.

The government released updated data this month that estimated the number of keeners had risen while all other categories had dropped.

Governments are trying carrots more than sticks to win over the hesitant. Manitoba and Alberta are offering lotteries with prizes totalling millions of dollars. There are ad campaigns urging people to get a vaccine to protect their loved ones, or to help move a province to the point where it can reopen concert venues, theatres and large sporting events.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said this week his government will not hold a lottery, saying – quote – “If you like to gamble, then I would suggest to you don’t get your shot. The prize is not what you think.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2021.

The Canadian Press

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