Chief Medical Officer of New Brunswick Dr. Jennifer Russell announced on Thursday, May 13, 2021, that New Brunswickers age 30 and older may now schedule an appointment online to receive their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine through Vitalité or Horizon health networks or by contacting a participating pharmacy.

“On May 10, when we invited those 40 and over to get their first dose, they set a new record for the number of people who booked an appointment through clinics offered by regional health authorities,” said Dr. Russell at a press conference in Fredericton. “I thank everyone who has been vaccinated, made an appointment to get one or is eagerly awaiting their turn. Every person vaccinated represents an important step forward for our province.”

At the press conference, Dr. Russell also confirmed two cases of a rare blood clot associated with low platelets known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in New Brunswickers 50-59 who received the AstraZeneca vaccine. Both individuals received a dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in mid-April with one of them experienced symptoms after about 11 days and the other after 19 days. Both individuals have received treatment, with one having now recovered while other still remains in hospital. Due to patient confidentiality, additional details will not be released.

Dr. Russell said the likelihood of someone developing a blood clot after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine is estimated to be about one case in 55,000 to one case in 100,000 doses of vaccine. A New Brunswicker age 60-69 died from a blood clot associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine earlier this month. Another individual between age 30-39 developed a blood clot but has since recovered. Dr. Russell said the AstraZeneca vaccine is not currently being used as a first dose for the general public but remains an option for people 55 and older who are homebound and cannot access other vaccines that cannot be transported to homes.

“We have experienced a higher-than-average number of cases of VITT compared to the global numbers, which can happen,” she said. “However, AstraZeneca remains an important tool in our fight against COVID-19. I encourage those who are eligible to follow the guidance of Public Health and get vaccinated.”

New Brunswick has about 4,000 doses of AstraZeneca and is expecting another 13,500 doses to arrive by the end of the month. These doses will be offered to those who received a first dose of AstraZeneca and who want a second dose of the same vaccine.