High-risk groups can now book spring COVID-19 vaccination

People considered to have the highest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 can nowmake an appointment online for a spring dose of the vaccine.

The dose will be available from March 25 to May 31.

Those who are eligible to book for the vaccinationinclude:

• People aged 65 or older;
• People aged 18 and older living in long-term care, nursing homes, senior congregate living settings or residential care facilities;
• People who are six months and older who meet the criteria for being moderately to severely immunocompromised due to an underlying condition or treatment;
• People aged 50 years and older who identify as Black, African Nova Scotian or First Nations.

Nova Scotia Health recommends people wait six months after their last COVID-19 shot or infection to get a vaccine dose, but a shorter interval of at least three months is allowed for the spring dose, the department said in a news release.

Nova Scotia Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang said COVID-19 cases are steady in the province.

Those who didn't opt to get a fall or winter dose can still get oneeven if they aren't eligible for the spring campaign.

People who aren't eligible for the spring dose but who did get a COVID-19 booster shot during the fall or winter are "considered to be up to date," Nova Scotia Health said in its release.

In addition to booking the shot online, people can also make an appointment for the vaccinationby calling1-833-797-7772.