N.B. COVID-19 roundup: 52 new cases, 3rd vaccine dose offered to immunocompromised people

New Brunswick has 52 new cases of COVID-19 and third doses of mRNA vaccines will now be offered to people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised because of a medical condition or treatment, Public Health announced Thursday.

"These immunocompromised individuals may have a reduced immune response to COVID-19 vaccines," Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, said in a statement. "An additional dose provides an opportunity for these individuals to develop a better immune response, which could offer better protection."

Some of the people who qualify include those who are receiving chemotherapy or immune therapy for cancer, solid organ transplant recipients who are receiving chemotherapy or other immunosuppressive therapy, and those living with untreated or advanced HIV infection or AIDS, according to a news release.

People who were born with moderate or severe dysfunction of their immune system, are taking certain medications that severely affect the immune system, or who have chronic conditions associated with varying degrees of immune deficit, such as asplenia and chronic renal disease with dialysis, also qualify.

A full list is available on the government's website.

People at least 12 years old with one or more of the conditions or treatments can register online for a third vaccine through a regional health authority clinic or a participating pharmacy. They will have to sign a statement attesting that they meet the eligibility criteria.

The recommended interval for a third dose of an mRNA vaccine for immunocompromised people is at least four weeks after their second dose, according to the release.