Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the Provincial Government’s fall vaccination plan for influenza and COVID-19, which will commence on Monday, October 16, 2023.
The Provincial Government is stressing the importance of residents keeping their vaccinations up-to-date, and will be providing vaccines that target the latest strains of COVID-19 and influenza. Individuals six months of age and older are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine this fall, if it has been six months since their last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection.
Those at high risk for severe disease are strongly recommended to get the vaccine when eligible, including:
- Adults 65 years of age and older;
- Residents of long-term care and other senior congregate living facilities;
- Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection;
- Individuals who are pregnant and
- Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.
Influenza vaccine will be offered to all individuals six months of age and older this fall. It is strongly recommended that those who are higher risk for severe influenza get the vaccine this fall, including:
- Children aged six months to five years of age;
- Adults 65 years of age and older;
- Residents in seniors congregate living;
- Individuals with certain medical conditions that place them at higher risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalizations;
- Individuals who are pregnant; and
- Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.
Vaccination clinics will begin Monday, October 16. Appointments can be booked online starting October 10 through regional health zone clinics by visiting the Time For the Shot website. Additionally, appointments can also be made through participating pharmacists and physicians. Individuals may need to check periodically for availability at any of these vaccine sites, as appointments are continually being added as vaccine supply is received.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a dose of the XBB.1.5-containing COVID-19 vaccine to people six months and older this fall.
It is expected that COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses will be circulating in our communities this fall and winter. To minimize the impact of these viruses this season, public health encourages residents of the province to get the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine this fall.
Both vaccines are proven safe and effective in reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19 and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. It is safe for individuals to receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
Public Health would also like to remind all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to stay home when sick, and to practice good hygiene measures.
Quotes
“As we head into flu season, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones. We take this time to remind residents of Newfoundland and Labrador the importance of staying home when sick and keeping up to date on vaccinations.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“Vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza is a safe and effective way to reduce the spread of these infections, prevent severe disease, and protect our communities and health system. I encourage all eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to get their fall vaccinations.”
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald,
Chief Medical Officer of Health
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Le gouvernement provincial annonce son plan pour la campagne de vaccination de l’automne