Those 30+ can start booking boosters next week

More Nova Scotians will be eligible to get a booster dose as of next week.

The province says anyone 30 years old and up will be able to book appointments, as long as it has been at least 168 days since their second dose.

At a Thursday briefing, Premier Tim Houston said the federal government will be shipping more supply throughout next month.

“With the supply now available, we will open up a couple hundred thousand new appointments on Monday,” he said.

The province's chief medical officer of health said anyone in this age group should expect to get a Moderna shot.

“There is no need for the ongoing brand preference for Pfizer if you are 30 or older,” Dr. Robert Strang explained. “I've said many times since we've started our vaccinations that mRNA is the better vaccine, but it doesn't matter whether it is Pfizer or Moderna. They are both effective and very safe.”

“When it comes to booster doses, in fact some studies are showing that Moderna is actually slightly more effective as a booster dose.”

Strang said global shortages are expected to limit shipments of Pfizer.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has recommended that those under the age of 30 get a Pfizer shot because a rare risk of myocarditis and pericarditis appears to be more common after Moderna. 

“We're strongly recommending only Pfizer vaccine for those under 30, therefore those who are 30 and above, we need you to start using much more Moderna vaccine,” Strang explained.

“So if you're 30 or over, please do not wait for a Pfizer booster, if you can find a Moderna appointment, book it,” he added. “And be patient, if you don't see an appointment in a clinic near you, check back often.”

Pharmacies will continue to play a big role in administering booster doses.

In addition, the community vaccine clinic at the Halifax Forum will be reopening next week to help meet the demand for capacity, but Houston said staffing is still an issue.

“We need more people, so if you're a retired nurse or doctor and you're able to fill shifts vaccinating Nova Scotians, please put your hand up,” Premier Houston said. “Or if you have experience immunizing, whether you're currently working, a student, retired, whatever the case may be, please come forward and help us.”
 
“I've heard from many former health care professionals who did this last spring, didn't hear back and were discouraged, please know we have heard you. We've redirected resources to appropriately respond to those putting their names forward,” he added. “We do need your skills.”

There are also opportunities for those who do not have a medical background.

There are about 451,000 Nova Scotians age 30 and older who are or will become eligible to schedule a booster dose in January.