Image by Gerd Altmann from PIxabay

The province is stepping up efforts to offer more New Brunswickers at least one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccines. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr Jennifer Russell says with new more contagious variants surfacing – it is important to get as many people vaccinated with at least one dose.

Russell says the second dose will be provided within 90-days for those at lower risk while administering the second dose within 28 days to those most vulnerable due to age and medical conditions. She says it’s not a perfect solution but it will provide a better level of protection to a wider group of people.

Phase 2 of the vaccination rollout will begin in April to groups including health care workers providing direct patient care such as pharmacists and dentists – police and firefighters – people over 70 – and truckers – rotational workers and regular cross border work commuters.

Phase 3 will begin in June and include school staff and students between the ages of 16 and 24.

Phase 4 is expected to begin in July will see the vaccine more widely available to all New Brunswickers. Details on the rollout of the next phases and how to register for the vaccine will be available in the coming weeks.

(UPDATED with details about the phased rollouts of the vaccines)