Immunocompromised Nova Scotians can now book third doses

Booster shots will also be available for long-term care residents starting next week

CITYnews\ Meghan Groff

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Nova Scotians who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, or who are taking medications that suppress their immune system, are now able to book a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“Emerging research shows that these people may respond differently to vaccines, including lower antibody responses and lower vaccine effectiveness, than the rest of us,” explained the province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang at a Tuesday briefing.

“The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends a third dose for these people to increase their level of protection.”

Appointments can be booked online or by calling 1-833-797-7772.

At least 28 days must have passed between a second and third dose.

In addition, certain criteria must be met in order to be eligible for a third vaccine and you’ll need to bring a list of medications and other documents such as prescription bottles or insurance notes when you go to your appointment, which will be reviewed by staff at the vaccination clinic.

“If you are not eligible and you arrive for your appointment, you will be turned away,” Strang stated. “We have very specific criteria and we have to make sure the vaccine is offered to those who are truly eligible.”

Third doses are also being offered to Nova Scotians who have to travel for work if their current status does not meet the entry requirements for where they’re going.

The following criteria must be met in order to be eligible for a third dose for work-related travel:

• be a Nova Scotia resident
• provide an official copy of proof of vaccination for each of the two doses received
• provide written confirmation from their employer that they are required to travel to a country as part of their job and that country does not accept a mixed-vaccine series
• provide official confirmation or documentation from the country or location of travel that a mixed-vaccine series does not permit entry or requires isolation upon entry.

This information needs to be submitted to adminins@novascotia.ca, with a response either approving or rejecting the request expected within 1 to 2 weeks.

Booster shots will also be available for long-term care residents starting next week.

“NACI recommends a booster dose at least six months after the primary vaccine series for long-term care residents,” Strang explained.

As long-term care residents were among the first Nova Scotians to be eligible for the COVID vaccine, most would fall into that category.

“And they’ll also be advised that they can get the COVID vaccine along with the influenza vaccine,” the doctor said.

“They’re two distinct viruses and they need their own individual vaccine to be protected against, so it’s really important that people get both,” he added.