Spring COVID-19 vaccine appointments available to book in N.S.

A pharmacist in Halifax prepares a dose of COVID-19 vaccine. (Photo via Communications Nova Scotia)

Appointments are now open to book for Nova Scotians at the highest risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

The province says it is following recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for the spring dose.

People defined as being high-risk include:

• people 80 years of age or older
• adult residents of long-term care or other senior congregate living settings
• people six months and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised because of an underlying condition or treatment

The following groups can also book an appointment:

• adults 65 to 79 years of age
• people 50 years and older who identify as Black, African Nova Scotian or First Nations

It must be least three months since a person’s last dose or known COVID-19 infection to book an appointment.

“It is recommended that people with a higher risk of severe outcomes, like older Nova Scotians and those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, get an additional dose this spring,” said Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jesse Kancir in a news release Tuesday.

“People who aren’t considered high risk and who received a COVID-19 vaccine since the fall are up to date and are still well protected.”The spring dose will be available until June 30.

Public Health says people who did not receive a dose in the fall or winter can still get vaccine, even if they are not high-risk.

Anyone who has never had a COVID-19 vaccine can also get the shot.

Appointments can be booked directly with a primary health-care provider, online or by calling 1-833-797-7772.

New Brunswick announced its spring vaccine campaign for those at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 on Monday.

Prince Edward Island has not yet announced its plans.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page