Vaccines available in New Brunswick starting Oct. 14
New Brunswick is expanding vaccination access as the respiratory illness season approaches. The province announced that new free COVID-19 and influenza vaccines will be available to eligible residents starting October 14. People can book appointments online now, with vaccination clinics set to begin next week.
What vaccines are offered and who should get them
Health officials emphasize that receiving both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines during the same visit is safe, efficient and convenient. The vaccines are free for everyone aged six months or older. Individuals aged 75 and older can also receive a free RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine, expanding protection for a group particularly vulnerable to severe illness.
Priority groups and settings
Experts highlight the importance of vaccination for:
- People aged 65 and older, residents of long-term care facilities and other congregate living environments
- Individuals with chronic health conditions
- Pregnant women
Even though COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are widely available, access remains a priority for frontline health facilities and community providers. Children can be vaccinated by their primary care providers or through local public health offices. Availability varies by location, and some pharmacies offer vaccines for children.
RSV and pneumococcal vaccines
In addition to COVID-19 and flu vaccines, the pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults aged 65 and older or younger adults with risk factors, particularly if they have not yet received it. The pneumococcal vaccine is also free of charge in eligible cases, helping reduce severe pneumonia risk and related complications.
Booking and logistics
Bookings are open online now, and residents should schedule as soon as possible to secure a convenient time. Vaccinations will be administered at various sites across the province, including hospitals, clinics and participating pharmacies. For families and caregivers, this is a straightforward way to protect vulnerable members from respiratory illnesses as the season begins.
Public health guidance and data updates
As the province rolls out these vaccines, health authorities encourage reporting any adverse effects and staying informed about the latest data. The provincial health department plans to release updated COVID, flu, and RSV data on Tuesday afternoon, providing a clearer picture of current activity and anticipated needs in communities.
Why this matters for New Brunswick
Hospitals in the province have faced capacity pressures for months, with respiratory illnesses often driving surges in patient numbers. By making vaccines more accessible and encouraging dual protection against COVID-19 and influenza, officials hope to reduce hospitalizations and ease the strain on healthcare systems.
What residents should know next
Anyone six months or older can book a vaccine appointment online now. Parents should plan for children’s vaccination through primary care clinics or local public health services, noting that availability varies by location. For seniors and those with chronic conditions, vaccination remains a vital step in safeguarding health this season. Stay tuned for further updates on vaccine availability and scheduling windows as the October rollout continues.
