Fiona-related power outages impact some COVID-19 vaccine appointments in N.S.
Some Nova Scotians scheduled for a COVID-19 or other vaccination this week may be asked to rebook due to impacts of power outages on vaccine supplies.
In a news release Tuesday, the province says COVID-19 and other vaccines only remain effective when stored at a specific temperature, part of what is known as "cold chain."
Widespread power outages cause by Fiona have disrupted the cold chain at some pharmacies and other sites where vaccines were stored.
"Public Health staff will need to confirm that vaccines have maintained the appropriate temperature at affected sites," read the release. "It will take between five and seven business days for Public Health to assess the cold chain with pharmacies, doctors’ offices and other sites across the province."
The province says a small number of appointments booked for this week will be cancelled while that work is done.
Those Nova Scotians will receive a call from their local pharmacy or clinic, or they may get an email cancellation from CanImmunize.
“I know this is disappointing and frustrating for some Nova Scotians, but we need to ensure the vaccines we are administering are effective,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, in a news release Tuesday.
The province says Public Health is working with pharmacies and other immunizers to determine next steps.
"Nova Scotians who received a dose of vaccine since Saturday may be called back by their provider to receive another dose if it is found that their vaccine was stored at an improper temperature. If they do not receive a call, that means their immunizer was unaffected," read the news release.
Anyone concerned about a dose received in recent days should contact the provider where they received their vaccine.
Nova Scotia’s supply of Imvamune, the monkeypox vaccine, was not affected because power was maintained at its storage site, the provincial bio depot in Dartmouth.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.