N.B. health officials report 99 new COVID-19 cases as children's vaccination begins
New Brunswick launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign for children aged five to 11 Friday, as the province continued to see high numbers of new cases.
Health officials reported 99 new cases of COVID-19, increasing the number of active cases to 787.
There are 56 people in the province hospitalized with COVID-19, including 18 in intensive care.
Clinics opened across the province to give children their first shot of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine that was approved for use in Canada last week.
More than 9,300 appointments for children have been made in New Brunswick since bookings opened Tuesday.
In order to meet the demand, extra clinics are being added in the Fredericton and Moncton regions, and more than 130 pharmacies will also take part in the pediatric vaccination campaign, receiving doses starting between Dec. 2 and Dec. 8.
"I am heartened that so many young New Brunswickers have received their first dose of vaccine and that even more have appointments to do so in the coming weeks," Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said in a statement. "Each person vaccinated is an added level of protection against this virus."
Russell said the high number of cases reported today is cause for concern but noted that the majority of new cases result from contact with known cases.
"It is important that everyone follow public health measures and do their part to reduce further spread of the virus," she said.
Public health officials reported that 87.8 per cent of New Brunswickers aged 12 and over are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and 93.5 per cent have received their first dose.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2021.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.