Newfoundland and Labrador has released it’s plans for fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says second booster doses will be offered to people age 70 and older, those in congregate living settings for seniors, and anyone 18 or older who identify as indigenous or live in an isolated indigenous community.

She says people in those groups are at an increased risk for severe disease, and will be eligible for their second booster 20 weeks after their first.

Fitzgerald says the RHAs will begin offering the second boosters to those in congregate living facilities “in the near future,” when those are substantially completed appointment based clinics will open. She says people can book appointments online or by telephone beginning April 25th.

As well, she says people in the age 12 to 17 group will be eligible for their first boosters starting on April 25th. People in this age group will be eligible for their booster 22 weeks after their second dose.

Masking to Continue in Schools After Easter

Meanwhile, Dr. Fitzgerald says public health has made a decision on masking in the K-12 school system after the Easter break.

She says they are recommending that masking continue in schools after Easter. They will review the recommendation one month from now.