Provincial Government Announces Plans for Fall Vaccination Campaign

The Provincial Government is today announcing the fall vaccination plan for influenza and COVID-19, which will commence Monday, October 21, 2024.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Newfoundland and Labrador will be available to media today, Monday, October 7, at 1:00 p.m. in Confederation Building, West Block lobby, to discuss the vaccination plan. 

The Provincial Government is stressing the importance of residents keeping their vaccinations up-to-date, and will be providing vaccines that target the latest strains of COVID-19 and influenza. It is expected that COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses will be circulating in our communities this fall and winter. To minimize the impact of these viruses this season, public health encourages residents of the province to get the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine this fall.

COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to all individuals six months of age and older this fall. The recommended interval between vaccines is six months.

Those at high risk for severe disease are strongly recommended to get the vaccine when eligible, including:

• Adults 65 years of age and older;
• Residents of long-term care and other senior congregate living facilities;
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions that place them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 infection;
• Individuals who are pregnant and
• Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Influenza vaccine will be offered to all individuals six months of age and older this fall. It is strongly recommended that those who are higher risk for severe influenza get the vaccine this fall, including:

• Children aged six months to five years of age;
• Adults 65 years of age and older;
• Residents in seniors congregate living;
• Individuals with certain medical conditions that place them at higher risk of influenza-related complications or hospitalizations;
• Individuals who are pregnant; and
• Individuals who identify as First Nation, Inuit or Métis.

Vaccination clinics will begin Monday, October 21. Appointments can be booked online starting today, October 7, through regional health zone clinics by visiting the Time For the Shot website. Individuals may need to check periodically for availability at any of these vaccine sites, as appointments are continually being added as vaccine supply is received. Additionally, individuals can check with their physician and local pharmacy for more information on appointments through those locations.

Both vaccines are proven safe and effective in reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19 and the incidence of severe disease from these viruses. It is safe for individuals to receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

Public Health would also like to remind all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to stay home when sick, and to practice good hygiene measures.