FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers eligible for a booster dose 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.

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.

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

Those unable to book an appointment online, or who otherwise need assistance booking through a health authority clinic or pharmacy, may call 1-833-437-1424.

Since Jan. 10, more than 41,000 appointments have been booked with the regional health authorities for booster doses of an mRNA vaccine. The health authorities have more than 30,000 appointments available between now and Jan. 31. In addition, pharmacies have ordered almost 74,000 doses for their COVID-19 clinics since Jan. 10.

“We are seeing more and more people getting their booster shots and I encourage everyone to book their appointment or attend a walk-in clinic as we know this is the best defence against the Omicron variant,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health.

Parents encouraged to get children aged five to 11 vaccinated

Parents and guardians are urged to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment now for their child’s first or second dose if they have not yet done so.

Children aged five to 11 who have already received their first dose of the vaccine will soon be eligible to receive their second dose once eight weeks have passed since their first dose.

“When children are protected against COVID-19 they are less likely to contract the virus and to spread the virus to others,” said Russell. “By getting vaccinated kids will be better positioned to stay healthy when in-class learning resumes. It will make it safer for children to play together on our playgrounds, sports fields and hockey rinks. We need to help our kids get back to being kids.”

COVID-19 vaccines are safe for children, Russell said, noting that Health Canada’s drug review process is recognized around the world for its high standards.

“Young children receive a reduced vaccine dose compared to adults and the number of adverse events reported nationally is extremely low,” she said.

Hospitalizations

Public Health reported there are 12 people in intensive care and another 112 in hospital with COVID-19, for a total of 124 people hospitalized.

Of those currently hospitalized, 71 were admitted for reasons other than COVID-19.

There are currently 417 health-care workers who have tested positive for the virus and are isolating.

Fifty-eight per cent of the 12 patients in ICU are either unvaccinated, partially vaccinated, or it has been more than six months since their second dose. One hundred and two hospitalized patients with COVID-19 are 60 or older and nine people are on a ventilator. Three patients 19 or under are 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.

Three people who had COVID-19 have died: a person 70-79 in Zone 1 (Moncton region), a person 50-59 in Zone 2 (Saint John region) and a person 80-89 in Zone 4 (Edmundston region).

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:

 

20-01-22