Nova Scotians who received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine on or before May 14 and are scheduled to receive their second dose on or before August 27 can now reschedule their appointments for earlier dates. Notification emails will go out in batches over several days.
People who provided an email address at the time of booking will receive a rescheduling notice by email. Anyone who did not provide an email or does not receive a notice can call the toll-free line at 1-833-797-7772 to reschedule or request an email address be added and the rescheduling email issued.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s new statement released Thursday, June 17, advises that when mixing vaccines, the minimum interval between doses should be based on the minimum interval of the product used for the first dose. For AstraZeneca, the minimum interval is 28 days. Based on that statement, anyone who received a first dose of AstraZeneca in Nova Scotia can now reschedule their second dose for 28 days later. The current supply of AstraZeneca expires June 30.
The province continues to recommend people who received a first dose of AstraZeneca receive Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose. This recommendation is based on emerging evidence of a better immune response with an alternate second dose and the risk of rare but serious blood clotting events associated with AstraZeneca.
When rescheduling the second dose, people will select a new date and time at any clinic across the province that has an available appointment. They will also be able to select a different vaccine for their second dose.
Rescheduling notices for second dose appointments will continue to be sent over the coming weeks as vaccine supply is received.
Drive-thru clinics in Dartmouth, Truro and Wolfville now accommodate up to four people in one vehicle. At the time of booking you can schedule a maximum four people for one appointment time.
All Nova Scotians are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as they are eligible.
The province’s goal continues to be to immunize as many Nova Scotians as quickly as possible to reach a high rate of population immunity.
