(Yellowknife, February 9, 2021) – The following updates to vaccination recommendations have been provided by National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI):

• All persons residing in the NWT aged 12 years and older are encouraged to access their local vaccination clinic options to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, after a minimum of six (6) months following their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. This direction applies to those who are or will be 12 years of age within the calendar year at the time they receive their dose.
• Individuals who have experienced a COVID infection before their first or second vaccine dose may receive their next dose 8 weeks after symptoms started or after testing positive.
• If a person experiences a COVID infection after their second vaccine dose, it is recommended you wait 3 months after symptoms started or after testing positive before getting a booster dose, and ensure that it has been the recommended 6 months since receiving the second dose.

Booster doses for eligible persons are recommended because over time the protection the body generated from the first two doses may decrease. The booster helps people keep their level of immunity for longer. It’s also possible that boosters increase protection against a new strain or variant of COVID-19. If you are immune-compromised you may be eligible for a 3rd dose instead of a booster, and sooner than 6 months after your second dose, so please tell your healthcare provider at your immunization appointment.

First and second dose COVID-19 vaccinations are still available for all eligible persons. Please review the current schedule to find out more information on accessing COVID vaccination in your community. In Yellowknife, residents can book an appointment online at NTHSSAbookings.simplybook.me. All residents are asked to follow the public health guidelines regarding masking and socially distancing while attending vaccination appointments.