Premier Blaine Higgs received his first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on March 31st, at a vaccination clinic held in the main ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Fredericton-Lord Beaverbrook Hotel in Fredericton. Licensed practical nurse Brenda Tree administered the vaccine.

Higgs said "We want to make sure everyone gets their vaccine, we don't want any sitting on shelves or unused. That's why I'm here today. If I'm asking people to take this vaccine, then I should be prepared to do it myself, and I feel very at ease and comfortable doing so."

The province has paused using the AstraZeneca vaccine for those under the age of 55, following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, known as NACI.

25 individuals out of 20 million who received the AstraZeneca vaccine in Europe developed blood clots 20 days after being vaccinated.

Dr. Jennifer Russell, the province's Chief Medical Officer of Health, said the province paused the use of that vaccine for those under the age of 55 out of an abundance of caution. She noted that these instances of people developing blood clots are extremely rare.