HALIFAX: Nova Scotia has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses to include anyone 30 years of age and older, beginning Jan. 4, 2022.
Booster doses are administered at least 168 days after the primary series. People who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine or the one-dose Janssen vaccine are still eligible to schedule a booster dose of mRNA vaccine.
The following groups are still eligible for a booster dose regardless of age:
— all frontline healthcare workers, including community healthcare providers who provide direct patient care
— all designated caregivers
Recent evidence shows that there is an increased risk of myocarditis/pericarditis in young adults from Moderna vaccine as compared to Pfizer vaccine. It is now strongly recommended that those under age 30 receive Pfizer vaccine.
Frontline and community healthcare providers who are under the age of 30 and eligible for a booster dose should be prepared to provide proof of designation and are encouraged to bring their professional licence, work identification or letter from their employer to their appointment. Providers include:
— doctors, nurses and continuing care assistants who work in community practice or provide care in the home
— dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists and denturists
— pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and pharmacy technicians.
Anyone eligible for a booster dose can schedule an appointment online at https://novascotia.ca/vaccination or by calling the toll-free line: 1-833-797-7772.
Nova Scotians are encouraged to be patient as vaccine appointments are currently limited. If you cannot find an appointment in your area, more will be added. Appointments are added to clinics across the province on an ongoing basis.
Quick Facts:
— there are about 451,000 Nova Scotians age 30 and older who are or will become eligible to schedule a booster dose in January.
