**** HEALTH/WELLNESS Media Release
Nova Scotia Expands Eligible Age for COVID-19 Boosters
—————————————————————-
The Province has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 booster doses to include anyone 50 years of age and older.
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
People under age 30 who are eligible for a booster are encouraged to get the Pfizer vaccine. The rare risk of myocarditis and pericarditis associated with mRNA vaccines is higher with the Moderna vaccine than Pfizer.
Frontline and community healthcare providers 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 if an appointment is not immediately available in their local area. Appointments are continually added to clinics across the province.
Quick Facts:
— as of today, December 22, more than 270,000 Nova Scotians age 50 and older are eligible to schedule their booster dose
— the Province will open 75,000 more appointments this week for January
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan – Booster Doses: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/vaccine#booster-doses
Rural Transportation Association: https://ruralrides.ca
