The Government of Nunavut’s Department of Health, in response to recent guidance from the National Advisory Committee on immunizations, has begun offering COVID-19 booster shots to all Nunavummiut aged 5 to 11. The booster is available to those who received the second dose of their vaccine six months or more ago.
Recent evidence has shown that vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infections decreases over time. Booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines can further enhance or restore protection that might have decreased after your primary series of your vaccination. Protection against severe infection, hospitalization or death, is better after a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Evidence suggests that Canada will see a new wave of COVID-19 infections as the days get colder and people spend more time indoors, making it easier for the virus to spread. Nunavummiut can prepare for a potential increase in COVID-19 cases this winter by staying up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.
The COVID-19 vaccine is still strongly recommended even if you had a COVID-19 infection as immunity decreases over time. To maximize the immune response after your COVID-19 infection, you must wait eight weeks from when your symptoms started, or you tested positive to get vaccinated.
Appointments for first, second or booster doses are still available for all eligible Nunavummiut and can be made by calling your local health centre or Public Health unit.
If you have questions about the vaccine, call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-975-8601 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, or visit www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-vaccination.
