Vaccine Plan on Track, Tops 300,000 Doses

Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 vaccine plan is on target for every eligible Nova Scotian to receive their first dose by the end of June.

As of April 29, about 31 per cent of Nova Scotians over age 16 have had one or more doses of vaccine. The province continues to be a leader in providing second doses and has the fastest growth in delivering first doses across the country.

More than 80 per cent of Nova Scotians age 70 and older have had at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“Our vaccination plan is exactly where it should be and on schedule. If the supply of vaccine continues as expected, we are just eight weeks away from every eligible Nova Scotian being able to receive their first dose,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Our age-based approach is working and it’s efficient and effective.”

Vaccine appointments are opening to Nova Scotians by age, in five-year increments. Those age 55 and older are now eligible to receive the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Those age 40 to 64 are eligible to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine.

In five-year increments, by end of May people aged 25 and older will become eligible. Those aged 20 to 24 and 16 to 19 will be eligible in early June.

“Getting to the early stage of population immunity for our older residents is a big achievement, but that doesn’t mean our work is done,” Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health. “Our hope is that all Nova Scotians choose to be vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. And we need to do this all over again to make sure everyone gets a second dose for full immunity.”

Key vaccine program statistics:

• 4.1 per cent of eligible Nova Scotians have received both doses of vaccine
• more than 88 per cent of residents in licensed long-term care facilities have been fully vaccinated
• residents of unlicensed seniors facilities will be fully vaccinated by the end of May
• 87.2 per cent of those over age 80 have had at least one dose
• 88.6 per cent of those aged 75-79 have had at least one dose
• 85.2 per cent of those aged 70-74 have had at least one dose
• 75.5 per cent of those aged 65-69 have had at least one dose

Over the past two weeks:

• eight First Nations bands continued vaccinating people under 55 and those who live outside of their communities
• the Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre hosted a vaccination clinic for Indigenous people 55 and over who live in Halifax Regional Municipality
• clinics were held at day programs for adults with disabilities who live in small options homes and group homes or who participate in day programs
• clinics were held at multiple homeless shelters

Quick Facts:

• appointments are available for booking today for the AstraZeneca vaccine for people 40 to 64 years old
• about 50,000 vaccine appointments were booked this week
• 10 community clinics and over 150 pharmacies and physician clinics are operating this week

Additional Resources:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine: https://www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus/vaccine

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Book your vaccination appointment: https://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination

Rural Transportation Association: https://ruralrides.ca/