From the week of September 6, children aged five to 11 will be eligible for a first COVID-19 booster shot. Children aged five to 11 who have not completed their initial series – the first two doses – are encouraged to do so as soon as possible so they are well protected this autumn. The Pfizer pediatric vaccine is the only vaccine available as a booster for children aged five to 11 years. Starting the week of September 19, another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to people aged 12 and over, regardless of the number of booster doses they have previously received. More details will be available closer to that date. “We know that immunity from previous COVID-19 infection wanes over time, so even if you’ve already had COVID-19, it’s still important to continue to get any dose of vaccine available,” said Dr. Robert Strang, head of the Nova Scotia Medical Officer of Health. “Combined protection from up-to-date vaccinations and infection with COVID-19 may provide stronger immunity than infection or vaccination alone. The COVID-19 vaccines we have available help reduce serious outcomes, making it important for all Nova Scotians to get vaccinated as we see more and more people re-infected with COVID-19.” For most people in Nova Scotia, the recommended interval between any doses of COVID-19 vaccine after the initial series is 168 days from their last vaccine. People infected with COVID-19 should wait 168 days after infection before receiving the next dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Some people, such as those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, are eligible for a shortened 120-day interval from their last vaccine. If these people become infected with COVID-19, they must wait 120 days after infection before receiving the next dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Booster dose appointments for children aged five to 11 will be available to book in early September, while autumn dose appointments for children aged 12 and over will be available in mid-September. Once appointments are available, you can book online at or by calling 1-833-797-7772. Vaccine scheduling by phone is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. People who have not completed their original series can also book in the same way. Vaccines are administered in pharmacies.
Quick facts:
The province has approved the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations to offer a first booster dose of Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to children ages five to 11 and to offer a fall dose of COVID-19 vaccine to 12 years and older
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