Release
Department of Health
October 03, 2025
FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers will be able to get updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines beginning Oct. 14 as part of the government’s 2025-26 respiratory illness prevention campaign.
“As respiratory illness season starts, it’s essential to protect ourselves and our communities,” said Dr. Yves Léger, chief medical officer of health. “Receiving both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines helps reduce our risk of being ill, or even admitted to hospital, and of passing it on to others. We recommend getting both vaccines during the same visit; it’s safe, efficient and convenient.”
Both vaccines are available at no cost for people aged six months and older. The government announced Thursday that New Brunswickers 75 and older will be eligible to receive the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine free of charge beginning this year.
Appointments for adults can be scheduled online beginning Oct. 3 or by contacting a participating community pharmacy. Not all pharmacies are part of the online booking system. Adults may also receive their vaccines from select primary care providers.
Children can be vaccinated by their primary care provider or through their local public health office. Some pharmacies offer COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children, although availability varies by location.
While both vaccines are available to everyone aged six months and older, they are strongly recommended for those at highest risk of complications from illness, such as:
• People aged 65 and older.
• People who live in a long-term care facility and other congregate settings.
• People with chronic health conditions.
• People who are pregnant.
In addition, FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine against influenza, is available again this year for children aged two to 17 who may be hesitant about traditional injections. Families can check eligibility by contacting their health-care provider, local Public Health office or community pharmacy.
Pneumococcal vaccine
Léger said the pneumococcal vaccine should also be considered by people aged 65 and older, and by younger adults with risk factors for this infection, if they haven’t yet received it. The single-dose vaccine helps prevent a range of serious infections, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections, which are among the leading causes of hospitalization and death globally.
More information is available online about vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal illnesses.
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Media Contact(s)
Tara Chislett, communications, Department of Health, [email protected].