Dr. Joss Reimer is encouraged by the number of children who have their first COVID-19 vaccine appointment booked.

As of Wednesday morning, 14,101 children between the ages of five to 11 have received their first COVID-19 vaccine, and roughly 10 thousand more appointments have been booked. Roughly seventeen thousand of those total appointments have been booked at urban Indigenous clinics and regional clinics.

 "We are seeing very good uptake This is so encouraging. We want to keep up the great momentum that is already underway," Reimer, the medical lead for the COVID-19 vaccine task force in Manitoba, says. "We expect that parents will continue to make appointments as we approach the holiday season."

She says the number of vaccines that have been given is higher, but they are waiting on data from pharmacies and physician clinics to roll in. 

Reimer recommends bringing something to keep the child occupied during their appointment, including stuffed animals or tablets. 

"Giving children a one or two days notice gives time for children to feel and become prepared."

Starting on Monday, youth aged 12-17 will be required to show proof of vaccination to participate in sports. To date, 68.6 per cent of all youth ages 10-19 have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine.

"If they have not received a single dose then they must provide proof of pharmacist-confirmed negative result from an approved rapid antigen test, taken within 72 hours before they participate." Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin says.

This order does not affect gym classes but will affect after-school sports. 

"The orders do not apply to physical education classes or any other physical activity that is part of the instructional day and that takes place on the grounds within the youth’s school," a spokesperson from the province says.

To date, 55,501 third COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, or 44 per cent of Manitobans.