Second boosters of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for individuals 50 and over starting this week.
The decision to make a second booster dose available is based on recently released initial guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), along with demographic, epidemiologic, chronic disease burden, and hospitalization data specific to New Brunswick.
“Public Health New Brunswick, in consultation with NACI, will continue to evaluate second booster doses for younger adults (under 50 years of age), adolescents aged 12 to 17, those living in other congregate or vulnerable settings, and those who work in vulnerable sectors, including health-care workers,” reads a release from GNB.
“Vaccination is the key element in a layered approach to protecting yourself against COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, in the release.
“It is important to continue to stay home when you are sick, get tested when you are experiencing symptoms, keep your number of close contacts low, and practise good hand hygiene,” added Russell.
Public Health is strongly recommending a second booster dose for individuals aged 70 and over and long-term care residents.
First Nation, Inuit, and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over, as well as any New Brunswickers aged 50-69, can receive a second booster if it has been at least five months since their last dose.
Second booster doses will be available beginning Tuesday, April 19, at participating pharmacies.
