A second New Brunswicker has died from a blood clot after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The province’s chief medical health officer announced Friday the death of a person in their 50s.
Dr. Jennifer Russell said the person received their vaccine on April 11 and went to the hospital 17 days later. The health zone in which the person lived was not disclosed.
Russell says pharmacies and health authorities are now only using AstraZeneca for second doses and there are opportunities for those who receive it as their first dose to get the second before the end of the month.
If the province’s supply of 3,500 doses isn’t used by May 31, they will be disposed of. But Russell said if residents don’t wish to take a second dose of AstraZeneca, they can wait up to 16 weeks after their first dose and get a different vaccine.
Officials continue to monitor the cluster of COVID-19 cases in the Fredericton region, and they won’t hesitate to impose changes.
“We know everyone is tired of COVID, but COVID doesn’t get tired,” said Russell.
Russell said Public Health has kept seeing public exposures in Fredericton, most of which are related to the variant first identified in India.
If the situation worsens over the long weekend, restrictions could change overnight, she said.
“The variant can behave differently,” said Russell. “We’re watching hour by hour.”
Russell said officials haven’t imposed new restrictions because new cases have stayed contained with no community transmission. The few that aren’t connected are related to travel.
During the news conference, Health Minister Dorothy Shephard said the province reached another vaccination milestone, with more than 52 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 12 and older having at least one dose of vaccine.
It’s the highest percentage in the Maritimes.
More than 13,700 doses were given to New Brunswickers on Thursday, which is a one-day record. Shepherd encouraged long-term care workers around the province to get their second doses, adding they should “think of the people they care for.”
“Everyone can find an appointment that works with their schedule,” said Shepherd.
With the Victoria Day long weekend, Russell reminded New Brunswickers that unnecessary travel is discouraged. Shepherd said campground operators have a responsibility to ensure the properties are being used properly and campers follow guidelines.
“We want people to enjoy themselves, but do it safely,” said Shephard.
Public Health also announced 15 new cases of COVID-19, including nine cases in the Fredericton region (Zone 3) and one case in the Moncton region (Zone 1).
There are 127 active cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick, including seven patients in the hospital and three in the intensive care unit.
Aaron Sousa is a reporter for Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
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