More New Brunswickers are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster.

On Wednesday, the province announced that first booster doses are available for children aged five to 11.

Five months must have passed since their previous dose or the date of a COVID infection, whichever is more recent, according to a release from the Department of Health.

“Vaccines have been proven to provide protection against serious illnesses or hospitalization from COVID-19,” Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, was quoted as saying in the release.

“I urge all those who are eligible to be vaccinated to book an appointment online, and those under the age of 16 to have a parent or guardian book an appointment.”

The latest figures from Public Health show 53.5 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers have received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

More information about booking a vaccination can be found by clicking here.