News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The first five- to 11-year-old children received the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine today as clinics began across the province.

“I am heartened that so many young New Brunswickers have received their first dose of vaccine and that even more have appointments to do so in the coming weeks,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health. “Each person vaccinated is an added level of protection against this virus.”

More than 9,300 appointments have been booked since Tuesday for children aged five to 11. To meet the demand, additional clinics for children have been added in Zone 1 (Moncton region) and Zone 3 (Fredericton region). Clinics will be added in other areas if warranted.

More than 130 pharmacies will also take part in dispensing doses of the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. They will begin receiving shipments between Dec. 2 and Dec. 8, and information on booking appointments at these locations will be available soon.

Vaccination update

Public Health reported today that 87.8 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 93.5 per cent have received their first dose.

Health-care personnel – including those working in long-term care facilities – and residents of First Nations communities can book an appointment to receive an mRNA COVID-19 booster dose if six months have passed since their second dose. They must bring their proof of vaccination, i.e. immunization record, to their appointment.

People 65 and older and school personnel are permitted to book an appointment to receive a booster dose if six months have passed since their second dose.

Fully vaccinated people who have received one or two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine are permitted to book an appointment to receive an mRNA booster dose if 28 days have passed since their second dose.

International travellers with mixed first two doses of vaccine products are eligible to book an appointment to receive an mRNA booster dose. This applies to anyone who must travel outside of North America for work, education or medical procedures. This mRNA booster dose will be available as long as 28 days have passed since their previous dose.

A detailed list of those eligible for a booster dose is available online.

Appointments for first and second doses, as well as a booster dose for those eligible, can be scheduled for a regional health authority community COVID-19 vaccination clinic through the online booking system or at a participating pharmacy. Residents of First Nations communities can also book an appointment at a community clinic.

A list of upcoming mobile and walk-in clinics is available online.

55 recoveries and 99 new cases

Public Health reported today that 55 people have recovered from COVID-19 and there are 99 new cases of the virus, with the number of active cases at 787.

There are 18 people in intensive care and another 38 in hospital for a total of 56 people hospitalized.

There is no one under 19 currently hospitalized.

“High numbers of cases are always a concern, but we know, once investigated, the majority of new cases are the result of contact with a previously known case,” said Russell. “It is important that everyone follow public health measures and do their part to reduce further spread of the virus.”

The rate of people hospitalized and in ICU, as well as new cases, continues to most greatly impact people who are unvaccinated. Information about the rates of cases and hospitalizations based on vaccination status is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

Regional breakdown of new cases

The 48 new cases in Zone 1 (Moncton region) are as follows:

•           19 people 19 and under;

•           seven people 20-29;

•           10 people 30-39;

•           three people 40-49;

•           five people 50-59;

•           two people 60-69; and

•           two people 70-79.

Thirty-one cases are under investigation and 17 are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

The 23 new cases in Zone 2 (Saint John region) are as follows:

•           seven people 19 and under;

•           three people 20-29;

•           five people 30-39;

•           two people 40-49;

•           three people 50-59;

•           two people 60-69; and

•           a person 70-79.

Twelve cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and 11 are under investigation.

The 15 new cases in Zone 3 (Fredericton region) are as follows:

•           three people 19 and under;

•           three people 20-29;

•           a person 30-39;

•           four people 40-49;

•           three 50-59; and

•           a person 60-69.

Eight cases are under investigation and seven are contacts of previously confirmed cases.

The two cases in Zone 5 (Campbellton region) are as follows:

•           a person 20-29; and

•           a person 50-59.

Both cases are under investigation.

The three cases in Zone 6 (Bathurst region) are as follows:

•           a person 19 and under;

•           a person 40-49; and

•           a person 50-59.

Two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and one case is travel-related.

The eight new cases in Zone 7 (Miramichi region) are as follows:

•           five people 19 and under;

•           a person 30-39; and

•           two people 50-59.

Two cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases and six are under investigation.

Additional information is available on the COVID-19 dashboard.

Confirmed cases in schools and child-care facilities

Information on cases in schools is available on the Healthy and Safe Schools website and the COVID-19 dashboard. As of Monday, Nov. 29, information on cases in early learning and child care facilities will also be available on the Healthy and Safe Schools website.

A case has been confirmed at the Boys & Girls Club of Saint John After School in Zone 2 (Saint John region). A new case or cases have also been confirmed at the following previously impacted facilities: Origins Natural Learning Centre in Zone 2 (Saint John region); Spring Roots Early Learning and Childcare Centre in Zone 3 (Fredericton region); Northend Learning Center and Causerie Amicale Inc., both located in Zone 1 (Moncton region). If you or a family member have been in close contact with a case, you will be notified by Public Health or the facility for contact tracing. If you are not notified directly, you have not been identified as a close contact.

Since Sept. 7, 90 early learning and child-care facilities have had confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Isolation reminder

Any household in New Brunswick with a positive case of COVID-19 must isolate for 14 days, regardless of vaccination status.

Household members who are fully vaccinated will be able to leave isolation with a day-five negative PCR test. A day-10 PCR test must still be taken to confirm the negative result.

Those who violate the Public Health order to self-isolate face a fine of between $480 and $20,400.

Potential public exposures

Anyone with two or more symptoms of the virus is urged to request a test online to get an appointment.

If you have been at the site of a possible public exposure, but remain asymptomatic, you may be able to pick up a rapid-screening kit (while supplies last).

A map of potential public exposures can also be found on the COVID-19 dashboard.