Please see the media releases below from the Government of New Brunswick:
FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers will be able to get updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines beginning Oct. 14 as part of the government’s 2025-26 respiratory illness prevention campaign.
“As respiratory illness season starts, it’s essential to protect ourselves and our communities,” said Dr. Yves Léger, chief medical officer of health. “Receiving both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines helps reduce our risk of being ill, or even admitted to hospital, and of passing it on to others. We recommend getting both vaccines during the same visit; it’s safe, efficient and convenient.”
Both vaccines are available at no cost for people aged six months and older. The government announced Thursday that New Brunswickers 75 and older will be eligible to receive the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine free of charge beginning this year.
Appointments for adults can be scheduled online beginning Oct. 3 or by contacting a participating community pharmacy. Not all pharmacies are part of the online booking system. Adults may also receive their vaccines from select primary care providers.
Children can be vaccinated by their primary care provider or through their local public health office. Some pharmacies offer COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children, although availability varies by location.
While both vaccines are available to everyone aged six months and older, they are strongly recommended for those at highest risk of complications from illness, such as:
• People aged 65 and older.
• People who live in a long-term care facility and other congregate settings.
• People with chronic health conditions.
• People who are pregnant.
In addition, FluMist, a nasal spray vaccine against influenza, is available again this year for children aged two to 17 who may be hesitant about traditional injections. Families can check eligibility by contacting their health-care provider, local Public Health office or community pharmacy.
Pneumococcal vaccine
Léger said the pneumococcal vaccine should also be considered by people aged 65 and older, and by younger adults with risk factors for this infection, if they haven’t yet received it. The single-dose vaccine helps prevent a range of serious infections, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections, which are among the leading causes of hospitalization and death globally.
More information is available online about vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal illnesses.
Eligibility for free RSV vaccine expanded to those 75 and older
02 October 2025
FREDERICTON (GNB) – More New Brunswickers will be eligible to receive the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine free of charge beginning Oct. 14.
“By making the RSV vaccine accessible for more New Brunswick seniors, we’re also helping to reduce hospitalizations, easing the pressure on our health-care system, and, most importantly, keeping our seniors healthy and safe,” said Premier Susan Holt. “It’s an investment in people and in the people who care for us – in our health-care workers, parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends.”
The virus was designated as a reportable disease in New Brunswick under the Public Health Act in early 2024. It tends to circulate more widely during the winter months and poses a significant health risk to older adults.
“Expanding access to the RSV vaccine for individuals 75 years and older is an important step in protecting their health and well-being,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “This population is at higher risk of serious illness from RSV, and, by making this vaccine more accessible, we’re helping to prevent hospitalizations, reduce strain on our health system and support healthier aging in our communities.”
During the 2024-25 respiratory illness season, there were 73 hospitalizations related to the virus.
The vaccine was added to the provincial immunization program last fall for people 60 and older living in long-term care facilities, alternate-level-of-care patients, and those 60 and older in rehabilitation units or acute care beds awaiting transfer to rehabilitation.
“While evidence on long-term vaccine effectiveness is still emerging, current data has shown the RSV vaccine is very effective in preventing severe disease in older adults,” said Dornan. “Investing in targeted immunization programs protects vulnerable populations while also helping to reduce strain on the health-care system.”
More information about the vaccine is available online. People with questions about the vaccine are encouraged to discuss the matter with their primary care provider or pharmacist.
Pharmacy appointments for people 75 and older can be booked online through the provincial scheduler.