News release

Influenza, COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available to Book

Health and Wellness
COVID-19
COVID-19
YourHealthNS

Nova Scotians can now book appointments for the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. These safe, effective and free vaccines are recommended for everyone aged six months and older.

“Vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza helps protect you, your loved ones and your community and supports a safer, healthier respiratory illness season,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. “It’s important for people at increased risk of severe illness to get vaccinated, including older adults and anyone of any age with chronic health conditions. The care providers who support them should also get vaccinated to help increase the protection for these individuals.”

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:

Family booking is available again this year. It allows 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. People using the toll-free number in the next few days should also be aware that there may be a wait because of large call volumes.

An enhanced influenza vaccine, which provides better protection for older adults, is available to people aged 65 and older.

People at higher risk can access rapid and PCR COVID-19 tests by booking an appointment online at https://covidbooking.nshealth.ca or by calling 1-833-797-7772. Full details of the testing eligibility criteria and availability are at: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting

Influenza and COVID-19 symptoms can include a sudden high fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, a runny, stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat.

Quick Facts:

  • 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
  • it is recommended to wait at least three months after having a COVID-19 infection or vaccine before receiving the updated vaccine
  • Nova Scotians can access their vaccine records via the YourHealthNS app and online at https://vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca

Additional Resources:

More information on vaccines and bookings for both influenza and COVID-19 is available at: https://www.nshealth.ca/seasonal-vaccines

More information on influenza: https://novascotia.ca/flu

More information on COVID-19 and testing: https://www.nshealth.ca/coronavirusvaccine

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