Nova Scotia Opens Bookings for Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Vaccinations
Nova Scotia residents can now book influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccinations through the CANImmunize website or the YourHealthNS app. Provincial Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jesse Kancir says respiratory illness cases are rising slightly but remain low compared to previous years.
Vaccination bookings for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 opened on Thursday in Nova Scotia. Residents can schedule their appointments through the CANImmunize website or the YourHealthNS app.
Provincial Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jesse Kancir discussed the upcoming respiratory illness season during an appearance on Information Morning Nova Scotia on Friday. He noted that cases of COVID-19, flu, and RSV are starting to tick up slightly, though not significantly. The province's overall COVID-19 numbers are currently among the lowest seen in about four years. Major waves of respiratory diseases in Nova Scotia typically occur from December onwards.
Unlike British Columbia, where health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has noted a trend of influenza affecting more young people than normal, Dr. Kancir stated that this pattern is not currently being observed in Nova Scotia. He added that this year's flu vaccine appears to be quite a good match for the strains of flu currently circulating.
Residents do not need to space out their influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines; all three can be received in one sitting. Eligibility for the RSV vaccine includes individuals who are 75 years or older, as well as younger people living in long-term care homes. Immunization for infants against RSV began last year.
Respiratory diseases can lead to hospitalizations and intensive care unit admissions, and some people died from COVID-19 and flu infections last year. Vaccination provides prevention against getting sick or reduces poor outcomes.