Public health updates

Public health4 days agoManitobaWinnipeg (WRHA)

2026 Flu & COVID-19 Immunization Clinics

The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is hosting community clinics for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Residents can book appointments online or by phone, and walk-ins are welcome. Immunizations are also available through primary care providers, ACCESS Centres, and local pharmacies.

You can direct your patients to book their flu and COVID-19 shots online, by phone, or at local pharmacies and ACCESS Centres.

Public health5 days agoManitobaWinnipeg (WRHA)

Plasma donation company Grifols begins phased reopening of centres after 2-month hiatus

Grifols has begun a phased resumption of plasma collection at its 17 Canadian centres, starting with Winnipeg (Innovation Drive) and Edmonton, with fewer daily donor appointments that will grow over time. Collection was paused on Aug. 14 after Health Canada issued a non-compliance rating at its Winnipeg Taylor Avenue clinic, whose licence remains suspended. The pause followed CBC reporting that two people died after donating plasma at Winnipeg Grifols clinics in 2025 and 2026.

Winnipeg donors can book again, but the Taylor Avenue site stays closed until Health Canada is satisfied the company has fixed its compliance problems.

Public healthOct 16, 2026Manitoba

Manitoba Public Health Declares Measles Outbreak Over

Manitoba Public Health has officially declared that the measles outbreak in the province is over. Officials confirmed the situation is now resolved.

ResearchTech & trendsOct 16, 2026Manitoba

Using a Single Dose of Dexamethasone at 0.6 Versus 0.15 mg/kg of Body Weight for the Treatment of Croup: A Multicenter Retrospective Chart Review.

A retrospective study of 14,205 pediatric croup cases in four emergency departments found that a lower 0.15 mg/kg dose of dexamethasone was as effective as the standard 0.6 mg/kg dose regarding return visits. However, the lower dose was linked to a higher rate of hospitalizations, suggesting clinicians should carefully consider the risks when selecting dosages.

When treating pediatric croup, be aware that while a lower dexamethasone dose appears effective, it may be associated with a higher risk of hospitalization.

Services & workforceOct 9, 2026ManitobaWinnipeg (WRHA)

Mental Health Supports on the Move

Shared Health has launched mobile crisis services for adults in Winnipeg facing mental health emergencies. This initiative provides support directly to individuals in their own environment, reducing the need for them to travel to hospitals or clinical settings for care.

Expect fewer mental health patients arriving at hospitals as mobile teams now provide care directly in the community.