Roger Melanson is the interim leader of the Liberal Party of New Brunswick. (Image: Roger Melanson/Facebook)
New Brunswick’s Liberal party is asking the Higgs government to reconsider when certain groups are scheduled to receive their vaccinations.
The Higgs government has prioritized 16-to-24-year-olds because of their higher transmission rates.
Interim Leader Roger Melanson says older people are more vulnerable to experiencing life-threatening complications.
“While I understand the concept of vaccinating those who are more likely to spread the virus, the science is still unclear on whether an immunized person can or cannot still transmit the virus. Saying that immunizing an age group with high transmission rates will help stop the spread of the virus seems like a big assumption to make” says Melanson.
“However, the science is very clear that vaccination is a safe and effective way of protecting vulnerable populations from becoming ill.”
Melanson adds that he can’t understand why the Higgs government hasn’t followed recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.
Melanson says he plans to raise this issue at this week’s All-Party COVID Committee meeting.
