FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers eligible for booster doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to book appointments as the number of hospitalizations remains high and hundreds of health-care workers are off the job due to the virus.

“It has never been more important than now for those eligible to get fully vaccinated, including a booster dose,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “As the Omicron variant continues to dominate our province, it is vital for New Brunswickers to have as much protection as possible to help prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death.”

Booster doses are available to everyone 18 and older, as long as five months have passed since their second dose.

Appointments can be booked online at vaccination clinics offered through the Vitalité and Horizon health networks. Those unable to book an appointment online, or who need assistance, may call 1-833-437-1424.

Many pharmacies across the province are also offering vaccine clinics. Appointments can be made by contacting a participating pharmacy directly.

Since Monday, Jan. 10, more than 37,600 appointments have been booked with the regional health authorities for booster doses of an mRNA vaccine. The health authorities have more than 19,000 appointments available between now and Jan. 31. In addition, pharmacies have nearly 44,000 doses for their COVID-19 clinics.

Hospitalizations

Public Health reported there are 16 people in intensive care and another 97 in hospital with COVID-19, for a total of 113 people hospitalized.

Of those currently hospitalized, 58 were admitted for reasons other than COVID-19.

There are currently 322 health-care workers who have tested positive for the virus and are isolating.

Seventy-five per cent of the 16 patients in ICU are either unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or it has been more than six months since their second dose. Eighty-seven hospitalized COVID-19 patients are over 60 and five people are on a ventilator. One person 19 and under is hospitalized. The seven-day rolling average of hospitalizations is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

The rate of people hospitalized and in ICU continues to most greatly impact people who are unvaccinated and those who are over six months from their second dose. Information about the rates of cases and hospitalizations based on vaccination status, the age and origin of new cases, and additional information, is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

Two people who had COVID-19 have died: one person 80-89 in Zone 5 (Campbellton region) and a person 90 and over in Zone 6 (Bathurst region).

There is no update available today on the rate of vaccinations due to a system upgrade affecting the provincial immunization registry. Updated numbers will be available tomorrow.

Learn more

The entire province is currently in the Level 3 phase of the winter plan to manage COVID-19. More information on the COVID-19 alert system, including guidance on public health measures, restrictions and the mandatory order, is available online.

Other useful links:

 

17-01-22