FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers aged 65 and older can now schedule their free pneumococcal vaccine at participating pharmacies through the online provincial scheduler.
This single-dose vaccine acts to prevent many different types of pneumococcal illnesses from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Some of these infections are considered invasive diseases and can be life threatening. The risk of pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease increases with age.
“This winter has brought with it many illnesses like flu and RSV as well as COVID-19,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “We remind New Brunswickers that vaccination remains the best way to prevent severe symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal disease.”
More information about the vaccine is available online or by calling 1-833-437-1424.
Anyone with questions regarding pneumococcal vaccines is encouraged to discuss it further with their primary care provider or pharmacist.
27-02-23