Immunization

Disease prevention is key to public health. It is better to prevent than to treat a disease. Vaccines save lives and prevent illness and disability. Immunization protects the people who receive them and those with whom they come in contact.

Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common in this country and around the world, including polio, diphtheria, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), measles, rubella (German measles), and mumps. Over the years vaccines have prevented countless cases of infectious diseases and saved millions of lives.

Vaccines in Winnipeg Regional Health Authority

Publicly funded vaccines are available from multiple health care providers in the Winnipeg Health Region.

Vaccines are offered in settings that include public health units, physicians' offices, institutions and schools.

• Routine early childhood and adult immunizations (see link below for schedules)   These vaccines are primarily provided by private physicians, primary care clinics and nurse practitioners.
• School based immunization services (see link below for schedules) – These vaccines are primarily provided by public health nurses in schools. Programs are offered in grade 6 and 8.
• Annual influenza immunizations – All Manitobans are eligible for influenza vaccine. Many different providers offer influenza vaccine including private physicians, primary care clinics, nurse practitioners and pharmacists.. Public Health hosts public influenza immunization clinics every October. Influenza immunization is also offered in hospitals, personal care homes, workplace clinics, as well as other settings such as pharmacies.

PHIMS

PHIMS is an integrated electronic public health record which includes an immunization registry. This system maintains immunization records for all Manitobans registered with Manitoba Health. Routine immunizations provided by physicians and public health are included in PHIMS. Other providers may also submit immunization records for entry into PHIMS. Some vaccines may not be included if they are not funded routinely. For example, vaccines provided for travel or work purposes may not be entered. If you are new to Manitoba, or have received immunizations outside of Manitoba and have a record of immunization(s), please send in your records to Manitoba Health via this online portal to have your previous immunization records entered into PHIMS. Manitoba Health sends out a copy of your immunization record when you turn 7 and 18 years old based on the information recorded/entered into PHIMS.

How To Obtain A Copy Of Your Immunization Record

• Request online
• Call the Central Immunization Records Clerk
• Phone 204-938-5347

When calling to request your Immunization record, please ensure you have the following information prepared:

• Spelling of First and Last Name
• Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)
• 9-digit MB Health Number
• Daytime contact number

The immunization records clerk cannot answer specific immunization questions. Please call your local Public Health Office and ask to speak to a Public Health Nurse if you have questions regarding immunizations.

Health Links – Info Santé

Health Links – Info Santé is a 24-hour, 7-days a week telephone information service. Staffed by registered nurses with the knowledge to provide answers over the phone to health care questions and guide you to the care you need.

Call anytime 204-788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257.

Links

• Manitoba Immunization Schedules
• Frequently asked questions and answers about vaccines
• Information on Influenza in the Winnipeg Health Region
• Healthy Parenting Winnipeg-Immunization

Fact Sheets

• WRHA Immunization Pamphlet
• Fact sheets for all publicly funded vaccines in Manitoba
• School Immunization Program
• Influenza and Pneumococcal Fact Sheets

Updated Sept 12, 2024