The provinces top doctor is expressing concern over complacency surrounding COVID-19.

Dr. Robert Strang says the virus is still in the community as summer winds down and kids get set to return to class.

“Certainly we are not where we were in 2020 or 2021 or even last spring, but COVID is still a significant issue that requires our collective attention and action,” Strang explained.

Strang reminded the public that public health strongly recommends masking in crowded indoor spaces and added he wears one to the grocery store regularly.

Boosters coming for young children

You’ll soon be able to roll up your sleeves to get another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The province says kids between 5 and 11 will be eligible for their first booster shot starting the second week of September.

The Pfizer pediatric vaccine is the only vaccine available as a booster for children in that age group.

Meantime, if you’re over the age of 12, you’ll be able to get another dose starting the week of September 19th.

“We know that immunity from previous COVID-19 infection decreases over time, so even if you have already had COVID-19, it remains important to continue to get any vaccine dose available to you,” Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang says. “The combined protection from up-to-date vaccinations and COVID-19 infection can provide stronger immunity than from infection or vaccination alone. The COVID-19 vaccines available to us help to reduce severe outcomes, making it important for all Nova Scotians to get vaccinated as we are seeing more and more people becoming reinfected.”

The health guidelines recommend most Nova Scotians wait at least 168 days between doses.

“People who have become infected with COVID-19 should wait 168 days from their infection before receiving their next dose of COVID-19 vaccine,” the province also advises in a news release.

More details on the vaccine rollout are set to be released next month.

*With files from Steve MacArthur