Updated COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine appointments available

October 8, 2024

FREDERICTON – Immunizations for the 2024-25 respiratory illness season will be available to New Brunswickers starting on Oct. 15.

Updated vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza will be available for people aged six months and older. While everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza, Public Health strongly recommends both vaccines for those who are at high risk of complications from these infections.

Appointments can be booked online, or by contacting a participating community pharmacy. Not all pharmacies are using the online booking system.

“As we enter the respiratory illness season, we are reminding New Brunswickers of the importance of staying up to date on their vaccinations,” said Dr. Yves Léger, acting chief medical officer of health. “The COVID-19 and influenza vaccines will help reduce the risk of severe illness this fall and winter. We are encouraging New Brunswickers to get these vaccines during the same appointment, as it is both safe and convenient.”

COVID-19

The updated COVID-19 vaccine, approved by Health Canada, targets the currently circulating KP.2 subvariant of Omicron. As per guidelines from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, the updated COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for:

• People aged 65 and older.

• People who live in a long-term care facility and other congregate settings.

• People with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of COVID-19 complications.

• People who are pregnant.

• People in or from First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

• People who provide essential community services.

Influenza

FluMist, a nasal spray influenza vaccine for children aged two to 17, is offered again this year for those who have a fear of needles and may be hesitant to receive the traditional needle-based influenza vaccine. To determine if a child is eligible, parents or guardians should contact their primary care provider, local Public Health office or community pharmacy.

Pneumococcal illness

Léger said anyone 65 and older should consider rolling up their sleeve for the pneumococcal vaccine if they have not already done so.

The single-dose vaccine prevents many types of pneumococcal illnesses, from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. Pneumococcal infections are one of the leading causes of illness, hospitalization and death worldwide.

More information is available online about vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal illnesses.

Media Contact(s)

Katelin Dean, communications, Department of Health, katelin.dean@gnb.ca.

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