COVID kills New Brunswick child aged 0-4
A New Brunswick child aged 0-4 was killed by COVID-19 between March 9-15, according to government data, and influenza killed two people aged 65 or older and one aged 45-64.
The province doesn't provide any information about COVID and flu victims.
Between March 9-15, 10 people were hospitalized with COVID. No one required intensive care.
The province includes data on the number of tests and lab-confirmed cases, but it isn't accurate because it only counts data collected in hospitals.
Forty-five people were hospitalized for influenza between March 9-15, and two people required intensive care.
There were 11 lab-confirmed flu outbreaks, including seven in nursing homes and four in undisclosed facilities. There was also one outbreak of an influenza-like illness in a school.
Finally, there were 66 confirmed cases of RSV between March 9-15. Three people required hospital treatment.
Some New Brunswickers will soon be able to get a new COVID-19 vaccination, the government announced on Monday, but it doesn't appear the shots will be available to most.
The eligible groups are, according to a government press release, 'people aged 65 or older, adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate-living settings for seniors,' and 'people six months or older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised due to underlying conditions or treatment.'
The release doesn't explain why the vaccine isn't available to everyone, other than a note saying the province is following 'updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.'
Shots will be available from April 7 to June 30, and will be administered by 'participating pharmacies,' the release read. However for children under 12, the shots will only be available until June 21 because 'vaccine products for this age group are expiring and additional vaccines will not be immediately available.'
'Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself and your community against the impact of vaccine-preventable diseases and illnesses, including COVID-19,' chief medical health officer Dr. Yves Léger said in the release.
'Vaccines against COVID-19 are very effective at preventing severe disease in the elderly and those who are at higher risk. However, studies show that this protection does drop after many months, which is why getting a spring dose is important for those groups.'
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