Manitoba Minimizes Private Nursing Agency Contracts

Beginning January 15, Manitoba will only work with four private agencies to fill vacant shifts at public health-care facilities, down from nearly 80 companies the province currently contracts. It’s part of an effort to redirect spending on private firms back into the public system, Health Minister Asagwara said in a CBC interview, and to help streamline standards of care among private agencies. Some have raised concerns that the move will lead to more vacancies and more demand on an already strained system.

What do you think? Email us, in confidence, at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca

Respiratory Season Update

This year’s flu strain is hitting harder and spreading faster across Manitoba than what we typically see, according to Shared Health. Hospitals and emergency departments seeing a rise in cases across all age groups, and a noticeable spike in Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital admission.

What’s happening: The predominant strain circulating is Influenza A (H3N2). This is known to cause more severe illness, particularly in young children and older adults. People who are otherwise healthy are being sidelined, and those at higher risk are facing even more serious complications.

👶 What’s new: The province issued a reminder of health-care options available reminding clinicians and families about available immunizations and care options during respiratory virus season.

• Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available across Manitoba. It’s not too late.
• A new RSV immunization is available for infants born between Oct. 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

Visit the Doctors Manitoba Vaccine Updates page for more information.

Measles Update

As we enter 2026, all health care providers are asked to continue recommending measles vaccinations to patients. In the final week of 2025, Manitoba led the nation with 12 cases, far outpacing the next highest number of three in British Columbia. 

Of 339 confirmed and probable measles cases last year in Manitoba, 87.6% of patients were unvaccinated. 

Measles Cases in Manitoba 2025

Source: Manitoba Health

The latest exposure sites include Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre Children’s ER, along with several sites in Steinbach, Morden, and St. Pierre-Jolys.

We’re keeping track for you on the Doctors Manitoba Measles Update page featuring a quick reference guide, exposure locations and vaccine eligibility resources. 

Hepatitis A Outbreak 

In response to a hepatitis A outbreak in the northeast part of the province, Manitoba Health is now offering free vaccines to the following groups aged six months and older: 

• Island Lake area community members (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake);
• Anyone travelling to or working in these communities; and
• Those who have household visitors from these communities.

Refer to the hepatitis A communicable disease protocol for further information. Vaccines can be requested by completing the Manitoba Health Vaccines and Biologics Order Form.

Updated Biochemistry and Hematology Laboratory Requisitions

Effective January 12, Shared Health advises the following laboratory requisitions will be updated: Body Fluid, Hemostasis, Bone Marrow Triage Confirmation and Urine Chemistry Testing. Print Shops as well as Digital Shared Services have been provided the updated requisitions. Updated copies of these requisitions are also already available on the Lab Information Manual (LIM) Lab Information Manual.

Syphilis Treatment Shortage

Manitoba Health is asking providers to restrict the use of long-acting penicillin G (Bicillin® L‑A) to specific categories of patients with syphilis and conserve medication supply amid a national shortage expected to last until January 16. Manitoba’s stock of the medication is expected to last until that time, however new orders will be evaluated by CDPC on a case-by-case basis to conserve supply during the shortage.

Learn more about the specific guidelines in this memo to health care providers.

Practice Change: Lupus Anticoagulant Testing

In an effort to streamline laboratory workflow for Lupus Anticoagulant testing and improve result turnaround time, Shared Health advises one of two assays in the testing algorithm will transition to a Hexagonal Phase Phospholipid PTT-LA kit assay (Precision Biologic, HEXLA kit), which utilizes the Werfen ACL TOP series coagulation analyzers.

Read the full update to learn more.