New Brunswick to offer third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to some immunocompromised people
New Brunswick will begin offering a third dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines to certain groups of immunocompromised people.
In a news release Thursday, the province announced that effective immediately, third doses will be available to people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to a medical condition or treatment.
“These immunocompromised individuals may have a reduced immune response to COVID-19 vaccines,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “An additional dose provides an opportunity for these individuals to develop a better immune response, which could offer better protection.”
The province says third vaccine doses will be available for people who:
- Are receiving active chemotherapy (or immune therapy) for cancer.
- Have received a solid organ transplant and are currently receiving chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive therapy.
- Were born with moderate or severe dysfunction of their immune system.
- Are living with untreated or advanced HIV infection or AIDS.
- Are taking certain medications that severely affect the immune system.
- Have chronic conditions associated with varying degrees of immune deficit, such as asplenia and chronic renal disease with dialysis.
A complete list of medical conditions and treatments that would result in a person being recommended to receive a third dose is available online.
People aged 12 and over with at least one of the conditions or treatments listed above are eligible to register online for a third vaccination through a regional health authority clinic or participating pharmacy, and will be asked to sign a statement attesting that they meet the eligibility criteria.
Health officials say the recommended interval for a third dose of mRNA vaccine for immunocompromised people is at least four weeks after their second dose.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.