(GNB Image)
Following a busy week of COVID vaccination clinics with 2 daily records for number vaccinated set – more vaccines are rolling into the province this week.
The latest word from the federal government shows New Brunswick is scheduled to receive 40,950 doses of the Pfizer vaccine – 21,300 doses of Moderna vaccine – and 13,500 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine. The schedule also shows the province is set to receive a total of 132,210 doses of Pfizer vaccine between now and the end of the month.
As of yesterday – 46.5% of the population in the province has received at least one dose of COVID vaccine – that translates into 322,616 people. The eligible age group for vaccinations was lowered to those 30 and above last week while children between 12 and 15 – and – those with complex or chronic medical conditions are also eligible for vaccinations.
Chief Medical Officer of Health – Dr Jennifer Russell – said last week we remain on track to have all New Brunswickers receive at least one dose of COVID vaccine by July 01st and the required second dose by September.
Meantime – the province has suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine for first doses for “the general public.” It continues to be “offered to those who are home bound and unable to access another vaccine” with informed consent. The scheduled delivery of AstraZeneca this month will be offered to those who have received a first dose of the vaccine and want a second dose of the same vaccine.
The changes in rollout of AstraZeneca come after a growing number of cases of rare blood clots developing in people who have received the vaccine. Four people here in the province have developed the condition. One of those – a person in their sixties died as a result of the condition – two others were listed as recovered and at last report one person remained in hospital under treatment.
Information on Horizon and Vitalite Health Networks vaccination clinics can be found here and participating pharmacies offering vaccination appointments here.
