FREDERICTON — The first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for children is expected to arrive in New Brunswick on Tuesday.

The government said Monday in a news release it expected to start administering the vaccine to kids by the end of the week.

About 54,500 children aged five to 11 will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

Meanwhile, health officials reported 62 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday. The province has 647 active reported cases.

There are 33 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in New Brunswick, including 15 people in intensive care.

About 87.5 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and 93.4 per cent have received at least a first dose.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2021.

The Canadian Press