Province expands eligibility for three-dose primary series of COVID vaccine

It includes people on dialysis

CityNews Halifax Staff

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More immunocompromised Nova Scotians will soon be added to the list of who can get an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Following updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, as of Friday, the following groups of people qualify for a three-dose primary series:

• on dialysis
• immunocompromised due to cancer, regardless of whether or not they are actively receiving treatment
• living with HIV and have been diagnosed with an AIDS-defining illness or had a tuberculosis diagnosis in last 12 months before starting their vaccine series
• living with HIV without viral suppression.

Previously, the people in those categories were only eligible for a two-dose primary series.

“Vaccine providers will review the information with the patient to ensure they meet the definition or are on one of the eligible medications,” the province said in a news release.

Those who meet the new qualifications must wait at least 56 days since their most recent dose.

If they’ve had a two-dose primary series and have not had any boosters, they can book an appointment online.

If they’ve had a two-dose primary series and one or two booster doses, they’ll need to email C19compassionate@novascotia.ca to book an appointment.