Newfoundland and Labrador opens flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics Oct. 19

Newfoundland and Labrador will begin vaccination clinics for influenza and COVID-19 on Monday, Oct. 19, the provincial government said in a public advisory published Oct. 14. The clinics will operate throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, and the province is encouraging residents to book appointments.¹

Residents can book by visiting timefortheshot.ca, or by checking with their primary care provider or a local pharmacy for vaccine availability, the government said. The province said both vaccines are proven safe and effective at reducing the spread of influenza and COVID-19 and the incidence of severe disease from the viruses.¹

It is safe for individuals to receive both the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, according to the advisory. Both vaccines will be offered to all individuals six months of age and older.¹

The province strongly recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for people at higher risk of severe infection or who are disproportionately impacted by the virus. That group includes adults 65 years of age and older, people living in congregate living settings, people with weakened immune systems, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant people, and individuals from First Nation, Inuit or Métis communities.¹

For influenza, the province strongly recommends the vaccine this fall for adults 65 and older, children aged six months to five years, people in congregate living settings, people with weakened immune systems, people with chronic health conditions, pregnant people, and individuals from First Nation, Inuit or Métis communities.¹

Healthcare workers and other care providers in close contact with people at higher risk for severe disease are also recommended to receive their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, the government said.¹