Vaccination Requirements in New Brunswick

Quick Answer

While COVID-19 vaccine mandates are largely lifted for entry, New Brunswick enforces strict routine vaccination requirements for school attendance, offers most vaccines free of charge through Public Health, and requires specific processes for exemptions and international record transfers.

1. Differences from National (Federal) Policy

New Brunswick primarily follows federal guidelines but exercises provincial autonomy in enforcement and scope for routine immunizations.

Key Distinction: While the federal government sets border and travel medicine requirements (e.g., for yellow fever), school and childhood vaccination mandates are entirely provincial jurisdiction.

Comparison Table: Federal vs. New Brunswick Stance

Policy Area	Federal Government	New Brunswick
COVID-19 Entry for Int'l Travel	Proof of vaccination no longer required as of Oct 2022 (Source: Gov. of Canada)	Aligns with federal policy; no additional provincial entry mandates.
School Immunization	No federal mandate; provides recommendations only.	Mandatory for 7 diseases under the Public Health Act (Source: GNB).
Flu Vaccines for Seniors	National recommendations provided.	Aggressively promotes and provides free high-dose flu vaccine for residents 65+.

Case in Point: During the COVID-19 pandemic, NB introduced its own proof-of-vaccination system for non-essential businesses (Fall 2021-Spring 2022), which was a provincial decision beyond federal requirements.

2. Local Enforcement & Compliance

Enforcement is complaint-driven and focused on public health protection rather than punitive measures.

How Rules Are Enforced:

Schools & Daycares: Public Health nurses audit records. Non-compliant families receive notices and support to get vaccinated. Exclusion orders are only issued during an outbreak of a relevant disease.
Healthcare Settings: Individual facilities (e.g., hospitals, long-term care) may set their own staff vaccination policies as per Workplace Health & Safety guidelines.
Travel & Border: Enforcement follows federal CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) protocols.

Data Point: According to 2022 data from the NB Department of Health, approximately 92% of 7-year-olds were fully immunized against measles, indicating high compliance with school mandates.

3. How to Get Vaccinated: A Step-by-Step Guide

Determine Need: Check the NB Immunization Schedule for your age/risk group.
Find a Provider:
- Public Health Clinic: Book via online portal or 811.
- Pharmacies: Over 150+ pharmacies offer flu, COVID-19, Tdap, and travel vaccines. Use the NB Pharmacy Locator.
Bring Required Documents: NB Medicare card, photo ID, and any previous vaccination records.
Post-Vaccination: Record is updated in the provincial registry. Request a copy for your personal files.

Tip for New Residents: Schedule a "catch-up" appointment with Public Health to have your out-of-province/country records reviewed and entered into the NB system.

4. Key Government Agencies & Contacts

Primary Authority: Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health (OCMOH) - Sets immunization policy.
Service Delivery: Horizon Health Network & Vitalité Health Network - Operate Public Health clinics regionally.
Records & Inquiries: Tele-Care 811 - General health information and clinic referrals.
School Immunization Compliance: Your local School District Office or Public Health nurse assigned to the school.

5. Local Costs: Vaccines, Medical Fees & Penalties

Item	Typical Cost (CAD)	Notes
Publicly Funded Routine Vaccines	$0	Covered by provincial health plan for eligible individuals.
Travel Vaccines (e.g., Yellow Fever)	$50 - $150+ per dose	Cost varies by pharmacy/clinic. Administration fee may apply.
Vaccination Record Transfer/Review	$0	Public Health service.
Medical Exemption Form Completion	May incur a physician's fee if not part of a covered visit	Check with your doctor.
Notarization of Conscientious Exemption	~$30 - $50	Set by the notary public.
Penalty for Non-Compliance (School)	No direct fine	Cost is indirect: child's exclusion from school during an outbreak, potential childcare expenses.

6. Accepted Vaccine Types & Recognitions

New Brunswick recognizes vaccines authorized by Health Canada and those pre-qualified by WHO for international records.

For COVID-19 (Historical/if reinstated):

Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria), Janssen (Johnson & Johnson).
Mixed schedules accepted.

For Routine Immunization:

Brands used in the public program are determined by provincial procurement. Equivalent brands from other jurisdictions are accepted after assessment.

7. Exemption Processes: Medical & Non-Medical

Legal Basis: Exemptions are governed by Section 5.1 of the Public Health Act and the Immunization of School Pupils Regulation.

Two Paths to Exemption:

Medical Exemption:
- Must be signed by an MD, NP, or pediatrician.
- Valid for the specific condition contraindicating the vaccine (may be temporary or permanent).
Conscientious or Religious Exemption:
- Requires completion of a mandatory vaccine education session provided by Public Health.
- Followed by a notarized statutory declaration form.
- Must be renewed periodically (e.g., upon school entry).

Consequence: Exempted individuals may be excluded from school/work during outbreaks per the Medical Officer of Health's order.

8. Specific Guide for Travelers & New Residents

Moving to New Brunswick:

Within Canada: Contact Public Health to transfer records. Ensure children meet NB's school requirements which may be stricter than your previous province.
International:
1. Translate records to English/French.
2. Book an appointment with Public Health for a "catch-up" assessment.
3. You may need serology tests or extra doses. Plan for this to take 1-3 months.

Visiting New Brunswick:

No vaccination checks for domestic tourists. For extended stays (e.g., work/study), follow the new resident guide above.

9. Children’s Vaccination Schedule & Rules

The NB schedule is aligned with the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) but is legally enforceable.

Mandatory Vaccines for School (Ages 4-18):

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap - 5 doses)
Polio (IPV - 4 doses)
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR - 2 doses)
Varicella (Chickenpox - 1 dose or proof of disease)

Enrollment Process: Parents must submit the Immunization Record Form to the school before the child's first day. Kindergarten and Grade 7 are common audit points.

10. Booster Shots & Policy Updates

COVID-19 Boosters: Recommended for high-risk groups. Availability and eligibility are announced on the GNB COVID-19 site and through 811.
Flu Shot: Annual campaign starts each fall. Free for all NB residents aged 6 months and older.
Tdap Booster: Recommended once in adulthood and during each pregnancy.

Staying Updated: Subscribe to alerts from the GNB website or follow regional health network social media accounts.

11. Digital Proof & Record Management

The primary tool for residents is MyHealthNB.

What You Can Do on MyHealthNB:

View your official immunization history (from the provincial registry).
Download a PDF record for personal use or travel.
See upcoming due dates for boosters.
Limitation: It may not show very recent vaccinations (entered by providers within 2-4 weeks).

If You Don't Have Online Access: Request a printed copy from your local Public Health office. Allow 5-10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are COVID-19 vaccines mandatory to enter New Brunswick?

A. As of late 2023, there are no mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for domestic travelers entering New Brunswick from other Canadian provinces. However, proof of vaccination may be required for certain high-risk settings like healthcare facilities. International travelers must follow the federal requirements set by the Government of Canada.

What vaccines are required for school attendance in NB?

A. New Brunswick's Public Health Act requires students to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis (whooping cough), and varicella (chickenpox). Parents must provide proof of immunization or a valid exemption.

Where can I get vaccinated in New Brunswick?

A. Vaccinations are available through Public Health clinics, participating pharmacies, and some primary care providers. You can book an appointment online through the provincial website or by calling Tele-Care 811.

Are there any costs for routine vaccinations?

A. Most routine vaccines listed on New Brunswick's publicly funded immunization schedule are provided free of charge. This includes all childhood vaccines and many adult vaccines (e.g., influenza, Tdap). Some travel or non-routine vaccines may incur a fee.

How do I get a vaccination exemption in NB?

A. Exemptions for medical or conscientious/religious reasons are permitted. A medical exemption requires a signed form from a healthcare provider. A conscientious exemption requires completing an education module and a notarized affidavit. Forms are available from Public Health or schools.

What is the penalty for not vaccinating my child for school?

A. Under the Public Health Act, a student without up-to-date immunization records or a valid exemption may be temporarily excluded from school during an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease. Fines are not typically levied against parents, but exclusion is enforced to protect public health.

Does New Brunswick accept international vaccination records?

A. Yes, but they must be translated into English or French and assessed by a Public Health nurse. You may need to provide additional doses or serology (blood tests) to match the NB schedule. It's best to contact Public Health for an assessment upon arrival.

Where can I find my official vaccination records?

A. New Brunswick residents can access their immunization records through the MyHealthNB portal. If you were vaccinated at a pharmacy or clinic, they can provide a receipt. For childhood records, contact the regional Public Health office or your primary care provider.

Official Resources

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Vaccination policies and requirements are subject to change. Always consult official government sources (linked above) or a qualified healthcare professional for decisions regarding your health and compliance with the law. In case of conflict, the Public Health Act (SNB 1998, c P-22.4) and its regulations, as amended, take precedence. The author is not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided here.