Nova Scotia Sees Early Flu Season as Over 150,000 Vaccine Appointments Are Booked
Flu cases in Nova Scotia are higher than last year amid an early start to Canada's flu season. The province launched its vaccination campaign on Oct. 8, with more than 150,000 appointments already booked for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.
Canada’s flu season has started approximately seven weeks earlier than usual this year, and Nova Scotia is reporting higher case counts this fall compared to the previous year. 
Influenza cases in the province are mostly concentrated in the Halifax Regional Municipality, Eastern Shore, and West Hants regions. Despite the elevated numbers, health officials note that current flu levels remain within normal expectations.
Data from Nova Scotia’s Respiratory Watch dashboard shows lower levels of COVID-19 than at the same time last year, while RSV cases are on par with previous years.
On Oct. 8, the province announced that residents could begin scheduling influenza and COVID-19 vaccination appointments through its online portal. More than 800,000 vaccine doses will be sent to providers to support this year’s vaccination campaign.
As of Monday morning, over 150,000 appointments had been booked for both vaccines through the portal, a figure that excludes those scheduled directly with primary care providers. 
During a media availability on Monday, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Robert Strang received his flu shot. Health officials continue to emphasize that vaccination remains critical due to the significant annual impact of influenza.