Public Health is urging New Brunswickers to book their COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccines.

Beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 11, New Brunswickers aged 18 and over will be eligible to get a COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster. Those aged 12-17 who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 were already eligible for this vaccine.

Booster doses are available at pharmacies. Public Health will also be offering clinics in some areas of the province to ensure access.

To see which booster is available and the recommended vaccine, residents may refer to the table located in the booster section of the government of New Brunswick’s webpage gnb.ca

For those with questions, immunization providers will also help to clarify which vaccine is recommended.

Also on Oct. 11, the province’s flu immunization campaign begins. Public Health recommends all New Brunswickers aged six months and older get their free flu shot, which is available at a variety of clinics offered at pharmacies or through other primary-care providers including physicians, nurse practitioners, and public health nurses.

The flu shot can be safely administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no need to wait between booking vaccine appointments.

The Department of Health will be including the high-dose flu vaccine as part of its immunization program for all residents 65 and older, including those in long-term care facilities.

Out-of-province students can get their flu shots through student health services at their respective post-secondary institutions. New residents and non-residents without a medicare card can get flu shots free of charge from a pharmacist.