Second COVID-19 booster now available for all Nunavut adults

A second COVID-19 booster shot is available now for Nunavummiut who are at least 18 years old, the Government of Nunavut’s health department said in a media release.

To be eligible for the second booster, residents will also need to have received their first booster at least four and a half months ago.

Vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 wanes over time and additional doses of the vaccine will help protect against the virus, according to recent evidence, the health department stated.

In an interview with Nunatsiaq News two weeks ago, Nunavut’s chief public health officer Dr. Michael Patterson said vaccine effectiveness declines after four to five months.

“One of the messages we need to get out to everybody is that it is important to get your vaccination up to date,” he said at the time.

The health department’s decision comes in response to a recommendation by the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations, which supports a second booster for older and immunocompromised Canadians.

Nunavummiut can contact their local health centre to book an appointment.

In Iqaluit, second booster shots will be available at Iqaluit Public Health, located in Building 1091 near the old airport terminal. Appointments are available Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., as well as 1:15 to 4:30 p.m.

Phone 975-4810 to book an appointment.

Masks are still mandatory at health-care facilities and vaccination appointments. First and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are still available for Nunavummiut ages five and up.