Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Heather Morrison, encourages individuals in PEI who are at high risk of severe illness to receive an additional COVID-19 booster dose to book an appointment if it has been 6 months since their last dose (and 3 months since a COVID-19 infection).
On March 3, 2023, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) released an updated statement regarding booster COVID-19 doses starting in the spring of 2023. NACI recommends that an additional booster dose may be offered at least 6 months after the last dose of COVID-19 vaccine for the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. These individuals can access the booster dose in PEI until May 31, 2023:
- Adults 80 years of age and older
- Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors or those with complex medical care needs
- Adults 18 years of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment)
- Adults 65 to 79 years of age, particularly if they do not have a known prior history of a COVID-19 infection.
“We continue to encourage Islanders to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines, when eligible, especially to those at higher risk of severe illness. Staying home when you are sick and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces helps to reduce the spread of all respiratory illnesses such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19,” said Dr. Heather Morrison. “We will continue to follow NACI guidance and encourage individuals on the timing of additional booster doses if recommended.”
It is highly recommended that anyone 12 years of age and older get vaccinated at a Health PEI vaccination clinic or at one of the many partner pharmacies across the province as it remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19. First, second and booster doses are being offered at clinics and partner pharmacies.
Parents and guardians looking to book an appointment for their children aged 6 months to 5 years should call toll-free 1-844-975-3303 to make an appointment. Vaccinations for this age group will be offered at Health PEI COVID-19 Immunization Clinics across the province on dedicated dates and times to support the unique needs of children. For information on PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine for children and frequently asked questions, visit: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children.
Parents and guardians of unvaccinated children 6 months of age and older should make an appointment for their children to receive a first dose. In addition to any immediate illness, children are vulnerable to developing long COVID-19 and the long-term health impacts of post-viral illnesses are not yet known. Children 6 months of age and older can receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a Health PEI vaccination clinic.
For information on PEI’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, including vaccine facts, immunization data and booking an appointment, visit: COVID-19 Vaccines.
Backgrounder:
The Chief Public Health Office continues to work closely with the federal government, provincial and territorial counterparts, government departments and Health PEI to monitor the pandemic situation and prepare for all COVID-19 related impacts to the province, including health, social and economic. The public health risk of COVID-19 is continually reassessed, and Islanders will be updated as new information becomes available.
Media contact:
Morgan Martin
Health and Wellness
(902) 218-3430
[email protected]