New Brunswick Announces Availability of Updated COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines

Residents of New Brunswick aged six months and older will have access to updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines starting October 15, according to an announcement from the Department of Health on Tuesday. The provincial health department has encouraged individuals to schedule their vaccination appointments as soon as possible through available platforms or by contacting local health professionals.

The acting chief medical officer of health, Dr. Yves Léger, emphasized the importance of the vaccines, stating, “The COVID-19 and influenza vaccines will help reduce the risk of severe illness this fall and winter.” Dr. Léger assured that it is safe for individuals to receive both vaccines concurrently.

In the most recent update on COVID-19 effects in the region between September 22 and 28, at least two more fatalities were reported among residents aged 65 and older. The report also disclosed that 51 individuals were hospitalized due to the virus, with three needing intensive care, and 150 new cases were confirmed, predominantly in health Zone 1, the Moncton region.

The province has also identified its first two lab-confirmed cases of influenza for the respiratory season, both in the Moncton region involving influenza A strains. The updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the KP.2 subvariant of Omicron, aligning with current recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI). NACI strongly recommends the vaccine for adults over 65, people in long-term care facilities, individuals with underlying medical conditions, Indigenous and racialized communities, those who are pregnant, and key service providers.

Additionally, the nasal spray flu vaccine, FluMist, is available for children aged two to 17 seeking an alternative to traditional needles. Parents are advised to verify their children’s eligibility through healthcare providers, public health offices, or pharmacies.

For those aged 65 and older, the Department of Health also recommends the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against bacteria causing serious infections like pneumonia and meningitis. Pneumococcal infections remain significant causes of hospitalization and mortality worldwide.

Between last fall and this summer, around 160,000 COVID-19 doses targeting the Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant were administered in New Brunswick, with only 12 adverse reactions reported, two of which were serious. This is considered a low incidence rate, according to Charlaine Sleiman, a spokesperson for Health Canada, who emphasized the rarity of serious reactions in connection with vaccinations.