COVID-19: People in N.B. who received AstraZeneca shot can get Pfizer, Moderna for 2nd dose

New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health said people who took AstraZeneca as their first dose can get Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose.

Due to emerging scientific evidence, the province said it has changed the way they administer the AstraZeneca Vaccine, and only use it now for those aged 55 and over, and those with mobility issues.

Regardless of age, Russell said people in New Brunswick over 55, but also under 55, who have taken AstraZeneca as their first shot can choose an mRNA vaccine as their second if they choose to.

“This new advice suggests that these vaccines are interchangeable without loss of effectiveness,” said Russell.

Russell also reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 and said that two-thirds of residents have received their first dose of the vaccine so far.

There are three cases in Moncton (Zone 1), one in Saint John (Zone 2), four in the Fredericton (Zone 3), and four in Bathurst (Zone 6).

Russell said even though many have received their first dose, there’s still 45 per cent of vaccine appointments currently unbooked, and is encouraging more people to take their call to “arms.”

1:43 New Brunswickers aged 12 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

Health Minister Dorothy Shephard, who was also at the briefing, stressed the need for people to get vaccinated so the province can begin the first phase of the province’s reopening plan on June 7.

She said the goal is to have 75 per cent of New Brunswickers vaccinated by the end of this weekend.

The number of confirmed cases in New Brunswick is 2,227. Since Tuesday, 14 people have recovered for a total of 2,043 recoveries.

There have been 43 deaths, and the number of active cases is 140.

Seven patients in total are hospitalized. Six patients are hospitalized in New Brunswick, including one in an intensive care unit. One patient is hospitalized out of province in an intensive care unit.

Case at Nackawic Senior High School

A positive case of COVID-19 has been confirmed at Nackawic Senior High School.

The province said that learning will resume online on Thursday, June 3, and Friday, June 4.

“School staff will contact families directly should there be any further impact on learning,” the province said in a press release.