Homebound Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination of homebound persons presents unique challenges. To guarantee the appropriate vaccine storage temperatures, handling, and administration to ensure safe and effective vaccination, the Manitoba Métis Federation developed a plan for homebound persons.

Homebound vaccine program FAQs

Who is eligible for the program?

Homebound people include those who need the help of another person or use crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to leave their home, or their medical provider believes that their health or illness could worsen if they leave their home. They typically do not leave their home.

The MMF will consider Métis individuals who do not fall within the definition of homebound but do have difficulties accessing vaccination sites for various reasons on a case-by-case basis.

Who is not eligible for the program?

Due to potential complications with some medical conditions or medications, some Citizens will not be eligible for the program, including:

• Individuals with a history of anaphylaxis, multisystem inflammatory syndrome, transplant recipients, CAR-T therapy recipients, an allogeneic or autologous stem-cell transplant recipients, active chemotherapy including cyclical chemotherapy recipients, as a physician must consult the patient before the vaccination;
• Individuals on the following medications: Alemtuzumab, Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG) / Thymoglobulin, Basiliximab, Blinatumomab, Obinatuzumab, Ocrelizumab, Ofatumumab, Rituximab as a relevant specialist must consult the patient before the vaccination;

• People who have experienced major venous or arterial thrombosis with thrombocytopenia following vaccination with a viral vector COVID-19 vaccine (such as AstraZeneca) should not receive a second dose of a viral vector COVID-19 vaccine.

How long will the immunization take? What will happen?

The immunizer will be on-site for about 20 to 30 minutes to provide all necessary information, give the vaccination, and ensure all follow-up processes are followed.

What if a recipient is at increased risk for anaphylaxis?

If recipients have an increased risk for anaphylaxis following the vaccination, a risk assessment can be carried out to determine if they need to be vaccinated close to a medical facility if an anaphylaxis reaction occurs. The staff will have at least three doses of Epinephrine on hand in case of an emergency.

How long will I be monitored?

Many recipients will be monitored for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. However, those who have a condition that makes receiving the vaccine risky, also known as a contraindication, will be monitored for 30 minutes. If possible, we encourage that a caregiver is on-site to monitor the recipient. If that is not possible, then someone can be arranged to monitor the recipient.

What if a member of my household or I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms before my appointment?

If you, a member of your household, or someone who will be present for the immunization is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, you will be asked to rebook your appointment.