Nova Scotia Buzz
Nova Scotia has ordered 495,200 doses of the flu shot this year and you can start receiving it for free Monday October 25. It will be available from most pharmacies, family doctors, family practice nurses and nurse practitioners across the province. We can confirm that some are already giving it out.
Those over the age of six months old are highly encouraged to receive flu vaccine this year in order to protect themselves, their loved ones and communities.
It can take up to two weeks for the vaccination to provide protection. The flu season usually arrives late December to early January.
The province says it’s safe for individuals, including those age 12 and older to receive the flu vaccine before, after or even at the same time as receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccinations do not protect against the flu.
“With flu season coming, and the fourth wave of COVID-19 present, we need to continue the healthy habits we’ve learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
“That means first and foremost getting your vaccine to protect yourself and loved ones. But it also means continuing to practice the same public health measures we’ve been using for COVID-19.”
Flu symptoms often include a sudden high fever; headache, general aches and pains; fatigue and weakness; cough, nasal congestion and sore throat. Health officials say if you have these symptoms you should stay at home. People cannot catch the flu from receiving the influenza vaccination.
