Third COVID vaccine doses opening next week for immunocompromised people
Starting next week, Nova Scotia will start allowing some groups of people to schedule appointments to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose.
On October 19, people 12 and older who have completed the 28 days of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series can book a third dose online or by phone if they meet either of the following:
- Moderately to severely immunocompromised and taking medications that substantially suppress the immune system
- Required to travel for work but can't meet entry requirements or must isolate due to having mixed vaccine doses
Those who are immunocompromised and seeking a third vaccine dose will have their information reviewed by the vaccine clinic to ensure they meet the definition of “moderately to severely immunocompromised” or that they're on an eligible medication.
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For anyone seeking a third dose for travel-for-work purposes, they must meet the following:
- Be a Nova Scotia resident
- Provide an official copy of proof of vaccination for each of the two shots received
- Provide written information from their employer that they're required to travel to a country as part of their job and that the country doesn't accept a mixed-vaccine series
- Provide official confirmation or documentation from the country or location of travel that indicates a mixed-vaccine series doesn't permit entry or warrants isolation
“The decision by some countries not to recognize mixed doses has created financial hardship for people whose job requires them to travel,” a Nova Scotia Health news release says.
However, work-related vaccine doses cannot be booked online or by phone. Those applicants must send the required information by email to AdminINS@novascotia.ca where requests will be reviewed within seven business days.
