COVID-19 Vaccines

(SRAS-CoV-2)


About the vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vaccines work with your immune system, so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect our families, communities and ourselves against severe illness, hospitalization, post-COVID -19 condition or death from COVID-19.


What are the benefits of the vaccine?

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccines far outweigh the risks of complications from COVID-19 infections.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and meet the quality standards of Health Canada before being approved.

Receiving the most recently updated COVID-19 vaccine provides updated protection against circulating COVID-19 variants. Unvaccinated people are at higher risk of getting COVID-19 variants, developing symptoms, and spreading it to others. Even if you already had COVID-19, on top of two or more vaccines doses, you still benefit from an updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall.

Vaccination after a COVID infection is important. The combination of having been infected and also being vaccinated (called hybrid immunity) provides better and longer-lasting protection than infection or vaccination alone. Hybrid immunity provides strong protection against the risks of complications from COVID-19 infection.  

Vaccine protection and hybrid immunity will wane over time which is why Public Health recommends receiving the most recently updated COVID-19 vaccine.

 


How is the vaccine given?

The vaccine is given as an injection into the upper arm in older children and adults and into the thigh in infants.

Can I get my vaccine at the same time as my flu shot or other non-COVID vaccines?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccines can be safely given at the same time as other vaccines if you are  six months or older. This means fewer appointments for you and/or your child, and you will be protected earlier against multiple diseases, which is especially important during the fall respiratory season. Co-administration of vaccines is safe and does not compromise the efficacy of each vaccine.

Who should receive the vaccine?

New Brunswick Public Health strongly recommended that all individuals aged six months and over keep up to date with COVID-19 vaccination by receiving the most recent vaccine. Vaccination also remains very important for individuals at high risk of severe infection, due to waning immunity and the different strains circulating. Consult a health-care provider to discuss your individual risk.

 

Who the vaccine is not recommended for?

  • Children under the age of six months old.
  • Individuals who have a serious acute febrile illness at the time of vaccination.
  • Individuals who have had myocarditis and/or pericarditis within six weeks of receiving a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should consult with their health care practitioner.
  • Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine.  
  • Individuals with a previous history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome vaccination or re-vaccination should be postponed until clinical recovery has been achieved or until it has been at least 90 days since diagnosis, whichever is longer.

Discuss your options with your health-care provider to determine the most appropriate actions for your situation.

I am allergic to a component of the vaccine being offered to me, can I still get a vaccine?

Depending on your allergy, it is still possible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. 

  • You may be asked to wait longer in the clinic after receiving the vaccine.
  • You may be able to receive another COVID-19 vaccine product.

Discuss your options with your health-care provider to determine the most appropriate vaccine for your situation. 

Should you get a COVID-19 vaccine after having a COVID-19 infection?

Yes. People are encouraged to plan their next vaccine appointment as long as they do not have symptoms. If you have symptoms, you can consult a primary care provider for an assessment. They will determine if you need testing and/or treatment. It is recommended that if you have symptoms, you take respiratory precautions.

If you do have a lab COVID-19 test that is positive, it is recommended you wait a minimum three  months, and up to six  months before getting vaccinated. This is because the risk of reinfection is lower in the month following an infection, and waiting can result in a better immune response and longer-lasting protection.

Consult with your primary health-care provider, pharmacy, or local Public Health office for guidance on the best timing for your next dose.

Vaccine reactions

It is possible to experience common side effects in the days following vaccination. While most side effects are generally mild and temporary, they might make you feel unwell for a short period and go away on their own. COVID-19 vaccines do not cause COVID-19 infection. 

Some more common and expected side effects include one or more of the following:

Pain, redness or swelling where the needle was given, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, fever. 

Allergic reactions, although rare, can occur after receiving a vaccine, just like with any other vaccines. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives (bumps on the skin that are often very itchy), swelling of your face, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing. The clinic staff are prepared to manage an allergic reaction should it occur. Seek immediate medical care if you develop any of these symptoms.   

Other very rare reactions reported after getting an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine include: 

  • Anaphylaxis 
  • Myocarditis and pericarditis (inflammation of the heart or lining on the outside of the heart) 
  • Bell's palsy (facial paralysis) 

Treating reactions

  • A cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort. 
  • For discomfort and fever, ask your health-care provider what medicine is best for you or your child.

NEVER give acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) to children younger than 18 years because it can cause a severe liver and brain disease called Reye’s syndrome.

Any unexpected or serious reaction to a vaccine should be reported to your health-care provider.

How to book a vaccine appointment?

You can book your next COVID-19 vaccine appointment by visiting: COVID-19 vaccines  booking (gnb.ca)

How do I obtain a record of my COVID-19 immunizations?

To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your MyHealthNB account. Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, you can send an email to [email protected].

If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines: your health-care provider, your pharmacy, or your local Public Health office.

Additional information and resources

Your immunization provider will give you a record of your or your child’s immunizations. Keep this record in a safe place and bring it with you at your next appointment.

Inform your immunization provider if you or your child have any health problems or allergies. 

If you or your child have any unusual reactions to the vaccine, or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your health-care provider or local Public Health office.

 

Useful websites: 

Last revised September 2024