Spring COVID-19 Vaccine Update
A senior receives her COVID-19 vaccine; the spring vaccine rollout begins March 25 for people at highest risk of severe illness. (Communications Nova Scotia / File)
Starting Monday, March 18, people at highest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 can book another vaccine dose. The spring dose will be available from March 25 to May 31.
Nova Scotia is following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) to provide people at highest risk a spring dose. This includes:
- people 65 years of age or older
- people aged 18 and older living in long-term care, nursing homes, senior congregate living settings or residential care facilities
- people six months and older who meet the criteria for being moderately to severely immunocompromised due to an underlying condition or treatment
- people aged 50 years and older who identify as Black, African Nova Scotian or First Nations
It is recommended that people wait six months after their last COVID-19 vaccine or infection to get a vaccine dose but a shorter interval of at least three months is allowed for the spring dose.
“COVID-19 cases are steady in Nova Scotia, and it remains important that those who are at highest risk of infection get their spring dose to prevent severe illness,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “People who aren’t eligible for a spring dose and are up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines are still well protected.”
People who did not receive a dose in the fall or winter can continue to get the vaccine, even if they are not eligible for this specific the spring campaign.
Appointments can be booked online at https://novascotia.ca/vaccination. Those who are unable to book online can schedule an appointment by calling 1-833-797-7772, seven days a week.
Quick Facts:
- both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 XBB.1.5 vaccines are safe and effective; Nova Scotians should choose the first available appointment rather than waiting for a specific brand of vaccine
- people who are not eligible for a spring dose but received a dose of COVID-19 vaccine during the fall or winter are considered to be up to date
- hybrid immunity is protection from COVID-19 through a combination of infection and vaccination
- older adults in Nova Scotia who have not had a COVID-19 infection do not have the benefits of hybrid immunity
- Public Health anticipates a fall COVID-19 vaccination program
Additional Resources:
NACI’s recommendations on an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose for people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/national-advisory-committee-immunization-guidance-additional-dose-covid-19-vaccines-spring-2024-individuals-high-risk-severe-illness-due-covid-19/naci-statement-2024-01-12.pdf
More information on who is considered moderately to severely immunocompromised: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/immunocompromised/