Appointments will soon be available for those who would like to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, as long as they have not received a dose or been infected with the virus over the past six months.
Health Canada recently approved updated Moderna- and Pfizer-manufactured COVID-19 vaccines for people aged six months and older. These specifically target the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant.
The Moderna vaccine, which was approved last month, will be available to New Brunswickers starting on Oct. 16. Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are expected to be available in late October or early November.
Appointments can be booked online or by calling or visiting a participating pharmacy, beginning on Friday, Oct. 6.
Public Health recommends all New Brunswickers aged six months or older receive an updated vaccine.
An updated vaccine is strongly recommended for:
- People aged 65 and older.
- People who are pregnant.
- People with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of COVID complications, including those who are immunocompromised.
- People who live in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, special care homes, or adult residential facilities.
- People who work in health care, particularly those who have direct contact with patients and other caregivers.
- People who are of First Nations, Métis or Inuit descent.
“As we know COVID-19 continues to circulate in New Brunswick, and across the globe, we are asking New Brunswickers to stay up to date with their vaccines,” Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said in a news release.
“Getting one of the updated vaccines, and the influenza and pneumococcal immunizations, will help reduce the risk of severe illness. And to make it convenient, citizens who are eligible can consider getting these vaccines at the same time.”
