N.B. offers COVID-19, flu vaccines to all
Vaccination availability for New Brunswickers aged six months or more to begin Oct. 14
All New Brunswickers will be able to get the latest COVID-19 and influenza vaccines later this month as part of a government prevention program, the Health Department announced Friday.
The department issued a news release Friday afternoon about its 2025-26 respiratory illness prevention campaign, through which New Brunswickers aged six months and up can get updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines beginning Oct. 14.
“As respiratory illness season starts, it’s essential to protect ourselves and our communities,” Dr. Yves Léger, chief medical officer of health, said in the release.
“Receiving both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines helps reduce our risk of being ill, or even admitted to hospital, and of passing it on to others. We recommend getting both vaccines during the same visit; it’s safe, efficient and convenient.”
There will be no cost, the department said.
Adults could start scheduling vaccination appointments Friday online or by contacting a participating pharmacy, the release said, though it noted not all pharmacies are part of the online booking system.
Some primary-care providers are also offering the vaccinations, it said.
“Children can be vaccinated by their primary-care provider or through their local public health office,” the release said.
“Some pharmacies offer COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children, although availability varies by location.”
The province is urging certain demographics to get the latest vaccines, specifically people aged 65 and older, those living in long-term care facilities and other congregate settings, those with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.
Furthermore, FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine for the flu, is available for children aged two to 17 who are leery of injections.
Léger said the pneumococcal vaccine should also be considered for those aged 65 and older and for younger adults with risk factors for that infection.
“The single-dose vaccine helps prevent a range of serious infections, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections, which are among the leading causes of hospitalization and death globally,” the release said.
Friday’s COVID-19 and flu announcement comes the day after the province announced it would provide the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine free of charge to those 75 years of age and older, also beginning Oct. 14.
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