Flu shots available in Nova Scotia next week
Beginning Monday, flu shots will be available for free at most pharmacies, family doctors, family practice nurses and nurse practitioners across Nova Scotia.
The province says residents over six months old are highly encouraged to get a flu vaccine this year in order to protect themselves, as well as family and friends.
"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," Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, said in a release.
"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."
Much like the COVID-19 vaccine, it can take up to two weeks for the vaccination to provide protection.
"Nova Scotians should get vaccinated in the coming weeks to see the full benefit before flu season arrives, which is usually late December to early January," says the release.
Flu symptoms can result in sudden high fever, headache, general aches and pains, fatigue and weakness, cough, nasal congestion and sore throat.
Those with flu symptoms should stay at home. People cannot catch the flu from receiving the vaccination.
This year, due to COVID-19 precautions, the process to receive a flu shot will be different than in previous years.
There will be pre-screening for COVID-19, requiring an appointment rather than accepting walk-ins, physical distancing and wearing your mask indoors.
"It is 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," says the release.
"COVID-19 vaccinations do not protect against the flu."
Nova Scotia has ordered 495,200 doses of the flu shot this year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.