**** NS Gov Release
Vaccines Available as Respiratory Illness Season Approaches
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Booking is now open for Nova Scotians to receive free COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
These safe and effective vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older and help to support healthier communities throughout the respiratory season.
“Immunization is an important part of health at every stage of life, helping people stay well, reduce their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses, and maintain their independence as they age,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “People at higher risk, including children, older adults and those living with chronic health conditions, should make immunization a priority. Immunization among care providers and parents with young children is equally important, helping to strengthen protection for the people they care for every day.”
Evidence shows these immunizations may also help reduce the risk of serious heart- and stroke-related complications that can occur after respiratory infections.
Nova Scotians can get the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines from participating family doctors, nurse practitioners, family practice nurses, pharmacies, public health offices and mobile units. People have several options for booking an appointment:
- online at: https://novascotia.canimmunize.ca/en/booking/covid-flu-booking
- through the YourHealthNS app
- by calling 811
- by calling their primary care provider.
Family booking is available again this year, allowing someone to book up to six people for a single appointment.
If people find their preferred time and location are not available, they are encouraged to check back in a few days, as appointments will be added regularly.
Beginning October 25, infants born on or after May 1, 2026, who are under eight months of age can receive immunization for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). High-risk children under two years are also eligible. This year’s program will run until May 8, 2027.
Babies born in hospital starting October 25 will be offered the RSV immunization before leaving hospital, and other eligible infants can receive their dose from their primary care provider or public health.
Nova Scotians aged 75 and older who have not yet received their RSV vaccine can also book through pharmacies, primary care providers and public health. It is also free for adults aged 60 and older who live in long-term care or are awaiting long-term care placement.
Quick Facts:
- respiratory viruses can cause fever, coughing, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat
- an enhanced influenza vaccine, which is shown to provide better protection for older adults, is available to people aged 65 and older
- the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are updated annually to protect against the latest strains of influenza and COVID-19
- children younger than nine years old who have never had an influenza vaccine should receive two doses four weeks apart
- people at higher risk of COVID-19 can access rapid tests or lab tests by booking an appointment online at https://covidbooking.nshealth.ca or by calling 811; information about testing eligibility criteria and availability is at: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting
Additional Resources:
More information on vaccines and bookings: https://www.nshealth.ca/seasonal-vaccines
More information on influenza: https://novascotia.ca/flu
More information on COVID-19 vaccines and testing: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirusvaccine
Information on immunization schedules is available at: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Routine-Immunization-Schedules-for-Children-Youth-Adults.pdf
