Spring COVID-19 vaccination clinics are available across the province starting today.
The bivalent vaccine will be available to people 80 years of age and older, adult residents of long-term care facilities, adults who are immunocompromised, and those 65 to 79 with no known prior history of COVID-19 infection.
The booster is recommended for those eligible at least six months from their last dose. The boosters are coming out as Canadian officials predict a small bump in COVID infections this spring, due in large part due to the highly infectious XBB.1.5 variant—the dominant strain in circulation across Canada.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says COVID infection rates in the province remain steady, despite the fact that the new variant is better at getting around the body’s immune system.
She says while it may be easier to contract the new variant, vaccines, or previous infections, go “a long way to help prevent serious disease.”
She is encouraging people to get their spring booster.
Details on who is eligible and how to book your shot can be found at online at gov.nl.ca/covid-19/vaccine.