COVID-19 vaccine

The SARS-Cov-2 virus is mainly passed when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. Infected people can spread the virus even if they have no symptoms. 

Vaccines work with your immune system to fight the virus if you are exposed. 

COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines. This means fewer appointments and earlier protection against multiple diseases, especially during the fall respiratory season. Receiving multiple vaccines at the same time is safe and does not compromise the effectiveness of each vaccine. 

All New Brunswick residents age six months or older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. It is given as an injection into the upper arm in older children and adults and into the thigh in infants. 

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from serious illness, hospitalization, post-COVID-19 syndrome or death, especially for the most vulnerable.

The benefits of COVID-19 vaccines far outweigh the risks of complications from infections. COVID-19 vaccines meet the quality standards of Health Canada. Vaccine protection and hybrid immunity wane over time, which is why receiving the most recently updated COVID-19 vaccine protects against circulating COVID-19 variants.

Unvaccinated people are at a higher risk of developing symptoms and spreading infection to others. Even if you already had COVID-19 and the vaccine, you could still benefit from an updated vaccine.

Vaccination after an infection is important. The combination of having been infected and being vaccinated (called hybrid immunity) provides better and longer-lasting protection than infection or vaccination alone. It is recommended you wait a minimum of three months after infection or a previous dose of the vaccine before getting vaccinated.

The vaccine is not recommended for: 

• children under the age of six months
• individuals with a serious illness at the time of vaccination
• individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine

Individuals who have had myocarditis and/or pericarditis should consult their health-care provider. Individuals with a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome should wait at least 90 days after diagnosis to get the vaccine. 

Consult a health-care provider to discuss your individual risk.

Allergies

Inform your immunization provider if you or your child has any health problems or allergies.

If you or your child is allergic to a component of the vaccine being offered, it is still possible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the allergy. You may be asked to wait longer in the clinic after receiving the vaccine. Discuss options with your health-care provider to determine the most appropriate vaccine for your situation.

It is possible to experience common side effects in the days following vaccination. While most side effects are generally mild and temporary, they might make you feel unwell for a short period and go away on their own. For mild reactions, a cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort.  Ask a health-care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever.

COVID-19 vaccines do not cause COVID-19 infections. 

Common and expected side effects include:

• pain
• redness or swelling where the needle was given
• tiredness
• headache
• muscle pain
• joint pain
• chills
• fever 

Other rare reactions reported after getting an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine include:  

• severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), although rare, can occur after receiving a vaccine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives (itchy bumps on the skin), swelling of your face, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing. Clinic staff are prepared to manage an allergic reaction should it occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you leave the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms.
• myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and/or pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart). Symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis may include chest pain, shortness of breath and feeling of a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
• Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis) 

If you or your child experiences unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office or Tele-Care (811). 

Call emergency services (911) right away if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms that could be an allergic reaction. 

Children can receive the vaccine through their local Public Health office, primary care provider or a local pharmacy (for those two years and older).

Adults can book a vaccine appointment through a primary health-care provider, local participating pharmacy, Public Health clinic or online using the provincial scheduler

If a New Brunswick resident doesn't have a New Brunswick Medicare card but is eligible for the vaccine, call 1-833-437-1424 to book an appointment.

Long-term care residents from a nursing home or an adult residential facility can receive their vaccine on site.

Out-of-province students can also get their vaccine through student health services at their respective post-secondary institutions.

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your account.

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to [email protected].

Immunizations administered prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible in MyHealthNB.  If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines.