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.

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.