Halifax, Nova Scotia – In a recent announcement, Nova Scotia has accepted the latest recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) regarding COVID-19 vaccines. The province will now implement changes to its vaccination strategy based on these guidelines, which aim to address the evolving landscape of the pandemic.
Effective immediately, bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, designed to target both the original strain and the Omicron variant of the virus, will be administered as the primary series of vaccinations. Previously, bivalent vaccines were only available as booster doses. This new approach ensures that individuals receive comprehensive protection against both strains during their initial immunization regimen.
Moving forward, bivalent vaccines will be the exclusive option for individuals aged five and older. For those who began their primary series with an original mRNA vaccine, a bivalent vaccine will be administered to complete the series. This adjustment ensures consistency in the vaccination protocol for this age group.
For children aged six months to four years, Moderna’s bivalent mRNA vaccine will be offered as part of their primary series. However, both Moderna’s and Pfizer’s original vaccines will continue to be available for this age group, providing flexibility and accessibility in vaccination options.
Moreover, NACI has stated that there is no longer a preference for the Pfizer vaccine over Moderna’s for the primary series in children aged five to 11 years. This change aims to simplify the decision-making process for parents and healthcare providers and allows for greater flexibility in vaccine administration.
Starting from Friday, June 30, only individuals aged five and older who have not yet received their first booster dose will be eligible to receive a booster shot over the summer. All other Nova Scotians will not be able to receive an additional dose at this time.
It is important to note that individuals who have not been vaccinated are still eligible to book their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as a booster dose if eligible.
Appointments for vaccination can be conveniently booked online at the Nova Scotia government’s vaccination website, [insert website link], or by calling 1-833-797-7772. The vaccine scheduling hotline operates Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Many pharmacies across the province are authorized to administer COVID-19 vaccines.
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