Nova Scotia’s health department says spring doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are now available for people at the highest risk of severe illness from the disease.
Bookings to get an additional dose opened on Tuesday.
The shot can be booked as long as it’s been three months since the last dose or a known COVID-19 infection.
“It is recommended that people with a higher risk of severe outcomes, like older Nova Scotians and those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, get an additional dose this spring,” said Dr. Jesse Kancir, Nova Scotia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health. “People who aren’t considered high risk and who received a COVID-19 vaccine since the fall are up to date and are still well protected.”
Eligible groups, according to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s guidelines, include people 80 years or older, adult residents of long-term care or other senior congregate living settings or those six months and older who are “moderately to severely immunocompromised because of an underlying condition or treatment”, the department said.
Nova Scotia is also opening up spring doses to people aged 65 to 79, and people 50 and older who identify as Black, African Nova Scotian or First Nations.
The government says people who did not receive a dose in the fall or winter can continue to get the vaccine, even if they are not in the high-risk category.
Appointments can be booked online or through a healthcare provider.
