Vaccination is open in Nova Scotia: Protect yourself and your community
Appointments are now available for this season’s COVID-19 and flu vaccines in Nova Scotia. Public Health recommends vaccination for anyone aged six months and older, aligning with global advice to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses as we head into the fall and winter seasons.
Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Strang, emphasized that vaccination helps protect individuals, their families, and the broader community by reducing severe illness and hospitalizations. The goal is to create safer, healthier respiratory illness seasons for everyone, especially for those at higher risk.
Across the province, eligible Nova Scotians can schedule vaccines through multiple convenient channels. The province’s online booking system is available for those who prefer self-scheduling. The YourHealthNS app offers another streamlined option, and people can also contact their primary care provider or call the dedicated vaccination line at 1-833-797-7772 for assistance. Families can book up to six people in a single appointment, making it easier to protect households and caregivers in one visit.
Who should get the vaccines this season
Public Health highlights the importance of vaccination for people at increased risk of severe illness, including older adults and anyone of any age with chronic health conditions. Vaccination also helps protect caregivers and healthcare workers, which can reduce transmission in clinical and community settings. While the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine are separate, getting both can provide layered protection during the season.
Special consideration is given to older adults: those aged 65 and older are eligible for an enhanced flu vaccine, which is designed to offer better protection against influenza for seniors. This enhanced option is part of the province’s strategy to shield the most vulnerable residents during outbreaks or spikes in respiratory illnesses.
How to book and what to expect
Booking is simple and can be done in a few steps through the online system, the YourHealthNS app, or by contacting a primary care provider. Anyone with questions or who needs help navigating the process can call the vaccine line for guidance. When you book, you’ll be asked for basic health information and any relevant medical history to ensure the right vaccine is chosen and that the timing aligns with your health status.
Family scheduling is a practical feature this season: you can arrange an appointment for up to six people at once, making it easier for households with multiple eligible members to vaccinate together. This is especially helpful for parents coordinating care for children and for caregivers who want to vaccinate their loved ones in a coordinated visit.
Timing and safety considerations
Public Health notes that timing matters for optimal protection. If you recently had COVID-19 or received a COVID-19 vaccine, it’s recommended to wait at least three months before receiving the new COVID-19 and flu vaccines. This waiting period helps ensure the immune system responds effectively to the vaccines during the current season.
As with any vaccination program, safety and efficacy are closely monitored. Health authorities advise discussing individual health concerns with a healthcare provider, particularly for people with allergies or recent adverse reactions to vaccines. Staying up to date with immunizations is a key part of personal health maintenance and community protection.
Why this matters now
Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations, and outbreaks that can disrupt daily life, workplaces, and schools. By getting vaccinated, Nova Scotians contribute to a safer respiratory illness season for themselves and their communities. The combination of high vaccination coverage and accessible scheduling supports stronger public health outcomes across the province.
To start the process, visit the online booking portal, open the YourHealthNS app, or reach out to a primary care provider or the vaccine line at 1-833-797-7772. Vaccination is a practical, protective choice that fits into busy fall and winter schedules, with options to vaccinate entire families in a single appointment.
