News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers 12 and older are now eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster.

The Moderna booster was already available to those 18 and older. Children aged 12-17 who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 were also already eligible for this vaccine.

“Public Health continues to strongly recommend New Brunswickers stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, including getting a bivalent booster, if five months have passed since their last COVID-19 vaccine or infection,” said Dr. Arifur Rahman, acting chief medical officer of health. “This is especially important for those most at risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19.”

Personal risk factors for severe illness include:

·         being 50 or older;

·         being immunocompromised;

·         having chronic conditions; and

·         not being fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible.

Those who have risk factors should consider additional preventive measures such as:

·         avoiding or limiting time spent in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor places;

·         minimizing close contact with anyone who has cold-like symptoms; and

·         continuing to use a mask, distancing and frequent hand washing.

Booster doses are available at pharmacies. Public Health will also be offering clinics in some areas of the province to ensure access.

To see which booster is available and the recommended vaccine, residents may refer to the table located in the booster section of the government’s webpage COVID-19 vaccines (gnb.ca).

For those with questions, immunization providers will also help to clarify which vaccine is recommended.