At a press conference in Fredericton on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Minister of Education Dominic Cardy announced children between the ages of 12 and 17 can now book appointments to receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine through Vitalité or Horizon health network clinics or through a participating pharmacy.

“We have worked to support Public Health on their plans to vaccinate children 12 years and older and ensure families were well-informed,” said Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Dominic Cardy. “In the coming days, districts will be sending out information that will help guide parents through the registration and vaccination process.”

New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell joined Minister Cardy for the exciting announcement. The news marks yet another milestone in the province's vaccine rollout.

Children between the ages of 12 and 15 will need to have the consent of a parent or guardian in order to be vaccinated. A consent form is available online and copies of the form will also be available at regional health authority clinics. Youth aged 16 and older do not require parental consent and may book their own appointment. 

“More than half of our population has now received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Russell. “In the weeks ahead, we will be providing second shots to increase the level of protection. But we must remember that COVID-19 is still with us, and we need to continue to follow Public Health guidance and advice to limit the spread of the virus.”