Yukoners 50 and over can get a COVID booster shot staring next week

Thursday, 28 October 2021 14:05

By Dylan MacNeil

The territory be will offering Moderna Spikevax.

Starting on Monday, COVID-19 booster shots will be available to Yukoners 50 and older.

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracey-Anne McPhee spoke to the matter in the legislature this afternoon. She said the science says boosters are needed.

“Vaccination is our best protection,” said McPhee.

“There’s a growing body of international evidence that shows the of waning of the immune response and the COVID-19 effectiveness overtime. This evidence comes from countries that followed the manufacturer recommended intervals for MRNA vaccines like Moderna and Pfizer.”

People will be eligible for the booster 6 months after they’ve completed their primary series of shots – two doses for most or three for some who are immunocompromised.

Clinics will start offering Moderna Spikevax in Carcross, Watson Lake and Whitehorse next week. All other communities should have clinics up and running with in six weeks.

Right now, priority is going to those 50 and over, but the government says the clinics could be expanded to include younger people once it’s recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization.

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