COVID-19 vaccines
The more people who are immunized against COVID-19, the harder it is for the virus to spread. You are not properly protected until after your second dose. Do your part and get fully vaccinated.
Vaccines help protect you and the people around you. The more people who are immunized against COVID-19, the harder it is for the virus to spread. This will save lives and lead to the lifting of restrictions.
There is no cost to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Publicly funded vaccination programs have saved lives and prevented infections in Canada and around the world for decades.
Do your part and get fully vaccinated.
Every New Brunswicker who can get vaccinated should get vaccinated.
Vaccines are safe and effective. By saying “yes” to vaccination, you are helping to protect yourself, your family and your community against COVID-19.
For some people, the decision to get vaccinated will require consideration of risks versus benefits. If you have questions about the vaccine or your health conditions, contact your primary healthcare provider.
Currently, the vaccines approved in Canada are not approved for those under the age of 5.
Vaccination is very important, even if you have had COVID-19. Vaccination after infection helps improve the immune response and may provide better long-lasting protection against current and future variants of the virus. A longer time between infection and vaccination may result in a better immune response. Please click on the Vaccination Post Infection FAQs infection to find out when to book your next dose of vaccine.
Have questions?
Find information about New Brunswick's roll-out, approved vaccines and vaccine safety here.
COVID-19 vaccine information for physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other health care providers.Information for health and allied health professionals
At this time New Brunswick recommends that everyone should receive a complete COVID-19 vaccination series to protect themselves from COVID regardless of any past COVID infection.
In New Brunswick, you're considered fully vaccinated 14 days after you have any of the following COVID-19 vaccine combinations:
- Two doses of AstraZeneca Vaxzevria or COVISHIELD
- Two doses of Moderna Spikevax
- Two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty
- Two doses of a combination of COVID-19 vaccines (AstraZeneca, COVISHIELD, Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech).
- One dose of Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) in limited quantity
- Two doses of Novavax Nuvaxovid in limited quantity
A limited amount of the Janssen and Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccine are available to eligible New Brunswickers over 18 years of age.
To schedule an appointment for a Janssen vaccine, you can select an appointment through the online booking system. If there are no clinics in your zone, please contact Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424 or email VNB@gnb.ca.
To schedule an appointment for a Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine, you can select an appointment through the participating pharmacies list. If there are no clinics in your zone, please contact Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424 or email VNB@gnb.ca.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) advises the Moderna Spikevax and the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty mRNA vaccines can be used interchangeably for first, second and booster doses. Both vaccines work the same way and are safe and effective in providing protection against COVID-19, including reducing the spread and providing very good protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death.
If you received 1 or more doses of a COVID-19 vaccine that's not approved by Health Canada and/or the World Health Organization, you’re not considered fully vaccinated. You will need additional dose(s) of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) and depending on the vaccine you received and your health situation, the health care provider will discuss the number of doses you require to complete your COVID-19 vaccine series.
More information is available on the Public Health Agency of Canada webpage on the Interchangeability of authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
More information is available on the Public Health Agency of Canada webpage on the Interchangeability of authorized COVID-19 vaccines.
All New Brunswickers aged five and older are eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated is easy. Everyone aged five or older is eligible to get vaccinated.
If you are aged 16 or older, you can book an appointment yourself, at a participating pharmacy. If you are between the ages of 12 to 15, and your consent is filled out by your parent or legal guardian, you can schedule an appointment at a participating pharmacy.
Parents/Guardians have an important role in discussing treatments which affect a minor’s health and well-being. It is highly recommended that parents/legal guardians discuss COVID-19 disease and immunization with their children in a loving and caring environment.
If you are aged between 12 to 15 and your consent is filled by your parent or legal guardian, you can make plans with friends or your family to get appointments at the same time.
The most recent evidence shows that Moderna’s Spikevax vaccine (100 mcg) may provide higher protection after receiving the first two doses compared to Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty (30 mcg) and is associated with a higher immune response among adult immunocompromised patients.
NACI continues to recommend Pfizer-BioNTech Cominarty vaccine over Moderna’s Spikevax for this age group. NB recommends that Moderna’s Spikevax (50 mcg) vaccine as a 3-dose primary series may be considered for some immunocompromised individuals 6 to 11 years of age. A full discussion with the child’s health care provider should happen first and include informed consent of the risks and benefits of giving this vaccine.
Under the New Brunswick Medical Consent of Minors Act, children can give consent as a mature minor to receive health care, like getting a vaccine. Under certain conditions they do not require parental consent; however, it is preferred that parents/legal guardians consent to immunizations for minors younger than 16.
For more information on Mature Minor consent for COVID-19 vaccination: PDF
Vaccinations for homebound individuals
Extra-Mural/Ambulance New Brunswick are providing vaccinations to homebound individuals who are unable to leave their home to go to a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Existing clients of the Extra-Mural Program will be assessed to determine if they qualify for this service.
Homebound individuals who are not Extra-Mural clients may also be referred for a home vaccination by their primary care provider.
COVID-19 vaccine appointments are administered by participating pharmacies in the province. Appointments can be booked for first, second, third and booster doses. Some pharmacies offer online scheduling, while others require that you call to book your appointment at your local pharmacy. For a list of participating pharmacies visit the Find a Pharmacy list below or call your local pharmacy today.
Some locations around the province, including Grand Manan, will continue to offer immunizations at vaccine clinics instead of pharmacies. These clinics are also available for 5-11 year olds. To schedule an appointment at one of these clinics, please use the the online booking system, contact Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424 or email VNB@gnb.ca.
A limited amount of the Janssen and Novavax Nuvaxovid COVID-19 vaccines are available to eligible New Brunswickers over 18 years of age.
To schedule an appointment for a Janssen vaccine, you can select an appointment through the online booking system. If there are no clinics in your zone, please contact Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424 or email VNB@gnb.ca.
To schedule an appointment for a Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine, you can select an appointment through the participating pharmacies list.
Who is currently eligible for a third dose and what is the recommended interval?
- For immunocompromised individuals, a primary series is now considered 3 doses.
- Individuals 5 and over who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or treatment can now book their 2nd and 3rd additional dose of their primary series of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine if at least 28 days has passed between doses.
- A complete list of medical conditions and treatments can be found on the Declaration of Eligibility form. Individuals will need to sign the Declaration of Eligibility form attesting that they meet the eligibility criteria for their 3rd dose in the primary series.
- For immunocompromised, a booster dose (i.e. 4th dose) of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine can be booked if at least 5 months has passed since their 3rd dose and are 12 years of age and older. A declaration of eligibility form is not needed to book a 4th dose.
Who is currently eligible for a booster dose and what is the recommended interval?
First booster
As of February 9 2022, all individuals 12 years of age and older with informed consent can book an appointment for a first booster dose if at least 5 months has passed since their last primary series dose.
Depending on the vaccine you receive, your health situation or your travel plans, the health care provider will discuss the number of doses and boosters you require for your optimal protection.
Second booster
Public Health is strongly recommending a second booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine to the following individuals if it has been at least 5 months past their first booster dose:
- any New Brunswicker 50 years old and up
- long-term care residents
- First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals aged 18 and over
Note that anyone who has been infected with COVID-19 should wait three months before receiving a booster dose. For example, if it has been four months since a last dose, but a person is just recovering from COVID-19, they will have to wait an additional three months to receive their booster dose.
For more information on the expanded eligibility for second boosters, please refer to the following GNB News Release: New Brunswick to offer second booster for COVID-19 and expand eligibility for antiviral treatment. For more information on New Brunswick intervals and specific vaccine information please click on: Get the Facts
Second booster doses available beginning Tuesday, April 19, at participating pharmacies.
Before booking, please make sure you:
1. Review the pre-vaccination information sheet for the vaccine you will receive:
- Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty 12 and over
- Pfizer- BioNTech Comirnaty 5-11 years old
- Moderna Spikevax vaccine 12 and over
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) 18 and over
- Novavax Nuvaxovid 18 and over
More information on each specific vaccine is also available on Get The Facts
2. Review, complete and sign your immunization consent form
Bring your signed consent form to your appointment. (Separate consent forms are required for each dose)
If you do not have access to a printer or cannot print the consent form, one will be available at the appointment.
You must complete the form before you can receive a vaccine.
If English or French are not your first language, you can see a translation of the form for reference purposes. You will need to complete and sign either an English or French consent form.
3. If applicable – review complete and sign the Declaration of Eligibility form
Bring your signed eligibility form to your appointment. (Separate eligibility forms are required for each dose).
If you are no longer able to attend the appointment at a clinic organized by Horizon Health Network or Vitalité Health Network, you may cancel or reschedule the appointment.
If you have the Booking ID found in the appointment confirmation email and the date of birth of the person scheduled to receive the vaccine, you can cancel AND reschedule the appointment by here or by calling 1-833-437-1424.
If you don’t have the Booking ID or date of birth, you can cancel the appointment by filling out the following form OR by calling 1-833-437-1424 to reach someone who will assist you in cancelling or rescheduling your appointment.
If you submit the cancellation form, wait to receive a cancellation email before booking a new appointment. The email will be sent within 48 hours of submitting the form. At this time, you will be able to book another appointment online or by calling 1-833-437-1424.
The earlier you can provide notification, the better. By cancelling your appointment as soon as possible, you may be helping someone else in your community get vaccinated sooner against COVID-19.
If you have made an appointment with a pharmacy, please follow the pharmacy's instructions regarding cancellations. Please check the pharmacy's website or their social media accounts before calling.
If you have made an appointment with a pharmacy, please follow the pharmacy's instructions regarding cancellations. Please check the pharmacy's website or their social media accounts before calling
It takes approximately 14-21 days for a dose to provide full efficacy.
Monitor for side effects
Side effects are generally mild and might include tenderness at the injection site, a low fever, aching joints, a headache or lethargy. These symptoms should not last more than a week or lead to a high fever. If this happens, contact your primary health care provider or 8-1-1.
Follow public health measures
Until enough people have been fully vaccinated to stop the spread of COVID-19, we must all:
- continue to follow public health advice and restrictions
- wear a mask or face covering
- practice physical distancing
- stay close to home as much as possible
- keep social circles small
The paper Record of COVID-19 Immunization provided from Vaccination Clinics and Community Pharmacies is and will continue to be your official record.
If you have lost your Record of COVID-19 Immunization and you require a replacement copy, you may view and print your Record of COVID-19 Immunization online through MyHealthNB. Please note that it may take up to five business days after your vaccination appointment for immunization records to be processed and appear in MyHealthNB.
If you already created a MyHealthNB account, log in to access your COVID-19 vaccinations. If you do not have access to your COVID-19 information on MyHealthNB, you can add access using a registration code
Horizon or Vitalité COVID-19 vaccination and testing appointments continue to provide registration codes to allow individuals 16 or older with an NB Medicare card, to register for a MyHealthNB account and securely access their COVID-19 information.
If you do not have a registration code and received at least one COVID-19 vaccine in New Brunswick, you can register or add access (go to myhealth.gnb.ca for details).
Parents/Guardians may also access a child’s COVID-19 information, by adding the child to their own account. The child must be under 16, have an NB Medicare number, and a registration code.
If your first dose was received outside of New Brunswick
If you received a dose of COVID-19 vaccine outside of New Brunswick, please reach out to a participating pharmacy to complete your series.
NB residents who have received immunizations outside of New Brunswick can email their contact information to immunizationrecordupdates@gnb.ca and they will be contacted by to have their immunizations entered on MyHealthNB.
If you have received immunization outside of New Brunswick and you want to update your immunization record
New Brunswick residents who have received immunizations outside of New Brunswick can email their contact information to immunizationrecordupdates@gnb.ca. They will be contacted by Public Health to have their immunizations entered in the Public Health Information Solution. Once added, they will be viewable in MyHealthNB.
If you want to have a correction made to your demographic information on your current immunization record
New Brunswick residents can email their contact information to immunizationrecordupdates@gnb.ca. They will be contacted by Public Health to have their demographic information entered in the Public Health Information Solution. Once added, they will be viewable in MyHealthNB.
See Frequently Asked Questions for details on MyHealthNB eligibility and online immunization record views.
See Travel Information for information on proof of vaccination for travel outside of Canada.