Winnipeg Children's Meningococcal Vaccine Clinics

A tearful Elizabeth Levesque hugs her father after receiving a meningococcal vaccine Saturday.

“He did well,” his father, Eric, told CityNews outside the clinic in St. Boniface.

It was the first of 11 meningitis and measles vaccination clinics built by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, and several children faced their fears and received the shots.

Manitoba is updating its routine childhood vaccines. Until the end of May in Winnipeg – downtown, Seven Oaks, Point Douglas and more. there will be clinics.

Meningococcal disease is a bacterial infection that affects people of all ages, but children under the age of five are at the greatest risk of serious illness.

Stephen Johnson and his wife arrived at Access St. Boniface with their young daughter, Soares. For many parents, the location and time of the clinic has become an easy stop to get important vaccinations.

“It's important to keep up with your vaccines,” Johnson said. “It's socially and ethically responsible to do what I think is right, not just for yourself or your family.

“I think everyone should keep their vaccines up to date because it keeps you and everyone in the community healthy.”

Although meningococcal disease is rare, it can be serious and can leave long-term complications such as brain damage, developmental delays and, in some cases, death.

The tetravalent vaccine is recommended for infants 12 months of age and children born between 2020 and February 28, 2023.

Little Kelly Dupont came to the clinic with her father Daniel.

“She did a great job, she's very tough,” Daniel said of her daughter.

“I work in the field of science. I understand very well the importance of vaccinations, so we want to be with our children to make sure they stay as healthy as possible.”

WRHA encourages families to visit clinics, including children who have been vaccinated with meningococcal-C monovalent vaccine.

Full list of remaining 10 clinics:

• April 20th from 10am to 3:15pm at ACCESS Fort Harry (135 Plaza Dr.)
• April 23rd from 3:30-6:30pm at the Orioles Community Center (448 Barnell Street)
• May 2nd from 1pm to 6pm at You Matter Wellness Clinic (601 Aikins St.)
• ACCESS Winnipeg West (280 Booth Dr.) on May 3 from 2 to 5 p.m.
• May 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Seven Oaks Arena (745 Kingsbury Ave.)
• May 9 1-6 p.m. You Matter Wellness Clinic (601 Aikins St.)
• May 16 from 12-3pm at ACCESS Transcona (845 Regent Ave)
• May 16 from 1 to 6 p.m. at You Matter Wellness Clinic (601 Aikins St.)
• May 23 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at You Matter Wellness Clinic (601 Aikins St.)
• May 30 13:00-18:00 You Matter Wellness Clinic (601 Aikins St.)

Anyone looking for more information can visit this site WRHA website.