New Brunswickers 18 and older are now eligible to schedule an appointment for a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine as long as five months has passed since their second dose. 

“This is an important step forward in protecting New Brunswickers from the impact of the Omicron variant of COVID-19,” said Health Minister Dorothy Shephard at a press conference in Fredericton. “I encourage everyone eligible to book an appointment through a regional health authority clinic or through a participating pharmacy.”

“The COVID-19 vaccine booster is safe for women who are pregnant and should be received as soon as possible,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Getting the booster can protect you from severe illness and a healthy, protected mom is important for a healthy baby.”

Moderna is being offered at booster clinics across the province, regardless of which brand of vaccine or vaccines a person previously received. This will ensure that the limited supply of Pfizer booster doses can be reserved for people 12-29 because there is evidence that the risk of myocarditis/pericarditis for this age group is decreased with the Pfizer vaccine is used as opposed to Moderna. 

“Do not wait for a preferred brand because it will not be available to you for several months,” said Dr. Russell. “What matters right now is that everyone gets a booster as soon as possible. Moderna is a safe and effective vaccine, and as the number of COVID-19 cases rise due to the Omicron variant, it becomes increasingly important for people to get their booster of the COVID-19 vaccine.”