More age groups are now eligible for a COVID-19 bivalent vaccine booster in New Brunswick.

New Brunswickers 12 and older are now eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 bivalent booster.

The Moderna booster is already available to those 18 and older, as well as children aged 12 to 17 who are at higher risk of severe outcomes from the virus were also already eligible for this vaccine.

“Public Health continues to strongly recommend New Brunswickers stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, including getting a bivalent booster, if five months have passed since their last COVID-19 vaccine or infection,” reads a statement from Dr. Arifur Rahman, acting chief medical officer of health.

“This is especially important for those most at risk of severe outcomes of COVID-19,” added Dr. Rahman.

Personal risk factors for severe illness include:

• Being 50 or older
• Being immunocompromised
• Having chronic conditions
• Not being fully vaccinated and boosted, if eligible

Those who have risk factors should consider additional preventive measures such as:

• Avoiding or limiting time spent in crowded or poorly ventilated indoor places
• Minimizing close contact with anyone who has cold-like symptoms
• Continuing to use a mask, distancing, and frequent hand washing

Booster doses are available at pharmacies across New Brunswick, and public health will also offer clinics in certain areas of the province to ensure access.