Biotech
Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 3:39 pm EDT
Key Points
- The Newfoundland and Labrador Health Authority has initiated the scheduling of COVID and flu vaccine appointments, with clinics commencing the following week.
- Beginning on October 16, the province will distribute a COVID-19 vaccine specifically designed to target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant, aiming to closely match recent circulating strains of the coronavirus.
- Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the province’s chief medical officer of health, is urging individuals in high-risk groups, including those aged 65 and older, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and Indigenous people, to receive the updated vaccine. The clinics, managed by the health authority, offer online and toll-free number booking options, with separate systems for each region. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for anyone who hasn’t received a coronavirus vaccine or had an infection in the last six months. The article also notes that pharmacies are offering the vaccine, with their own appointment booking systems in place. The importance of boosters is emphasized, as immunity can wane over time, even for individuals who had milder previous COVID-19 infections. The clinics are providing both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which can be administered simultaneously, one in each arm. The article underscores the ongoing seriousness of COVID-19, with 42 hospitalizations and four deaths reported during the August 27 to September 23 reporting period.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Health Authority has begun scheduling COVID and flu vaccine appointments, with clinics starting the following week. Starting on October 16, the province will distribute a COVID-19 vaccine specifically designed to target the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant to better match recent circulating coronavirus strains. Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, the province’s chief medical officer of health, is encouraging high-risk individuals, including those aged 65 and older, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and Indigenous people, to receive the updated vaccine. Clinics are being managed by the health authority and can be booked online or by calling a toll-free number, with separate booking systems for each region. The vaccine is recommended for anyone who hasn’t received a COVID-19 vaccine or had an infection in the past six months. Additionally, pharmacies are offering the vaccine and have their own appointment booking systems. As of September 2022, only 23.4% of the population has received a shot, with higher uptake among older individuals. Dr. Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of boosters, as immunity wanes over time, and even individuals with mild previous COVID-19 infections should consider getting vaccinated. The clinics will offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously, with one administered in each arm. The Health Department reported 42 hospitalizations and four deaths during the August 27 to September 23 reporting period, underscoring the ongoing seriousness of COVID-19.
For full original article, please click here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/covid-appointments-open-1.6989503
