Update on COVID-19 Booster Doses for 70+, Youth

Adults 70 and older in Nova Scotia can now book an additional booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“Boosters are more than just a nice-to-do – they are an important part of protecting yourself and others against COVID-19,” said Dr. Shelley Deeks, Nova Scotia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health. “The number of doses you need to maximize your protection against COVID-19, particularly against severe outcomes, is different depending on your age and health status. That’s why it’s important to understand how many vaccine doses are right for you and the other members of your family and to book the appointments you need to stay up to date.”

The second booster dose for people 70 and older is administered at least 120 days after the first. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are recommended for the second booster, but people who cannot receive those mRNA vaccines for medical reasons may opt for Novavax.

Nova Scotia also has new guidance on booster doses for children aged 12-17, based on updated recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. All children in that age group are now encouraged to get a booster dose. They must wait 168 days after their second vaccine dose to receive the booster, though children who are moderately or severely immunocompromised are able to receive their booster dose after 120 days. Only the Pfizer vaccine is available for this age group. Bookings are now open.

Everyone 18 and older who has not yet received a booster dose is also encouraged to book an appointment now. Most people must wait 168 days after their second vaccine dose, but those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised and people age 70 and older are able to receive their booster dose after 120 days.

Vaccine appointments may be booked online at: https://novascotia.ca/vaccination or by calling 1-833-797-7772. Vaccine scheduling by phone is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vaccines are administered at pharmacies and drop-in clinics, and appointments must be booked online or by phone.

NOTE: This release was updated Monday, April 25, to clarify that vaccine appointments must be booked online or by phone.

Quick Facts:

• long-term and residential care facilities have already begun to offer second booster doses to residents
• the government is working with Indigenous communities to offer second booster doses to those at highest risk
• people with a recent COVID-19 infection are advised to wait 90 days from the onset of symptoms or a positive test before booking a booster dose
• people who are unvaccinated or have only one dose of vaccine are advised to wait 56 days from the onset of symptoms or a positive test before booking a first or second dose
• as of April 21, 64.5 per cent of Nova Scotians 18 and older have received a booster dose

Additional Resources:

National guidance for COVID-19 booster doses: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/naci-summary-april-12-2022.pdf

National guidance on second booster doses: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/naci-summary-april-5-2022.pdf

Where to get a rapid test and rapid test kits: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-rapid-testing

More information on booster doses for immunocompromised people is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/immunocompromised/

More information on COVID-19 in Nova Scotia is available at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/