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
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.