Seasonal Vaccines

Fall and winter are often referred to as ‘respiratory illness season,’ because during this time of year illnesses that cause symptoms like coughing, sore throats, nasal and chest congestion are more likely to occur. 

We invite everyone in Nova Scotia to get free COVID-19 and influenza vaccines this fall to protect yourself, your family and your community from these common respiratory illnesses. These vaccines are safe and effective for everyone aged 6 months and older.

How do I book a vaccine appointment?

Physicians and Primary Care Providers

Call your physician or primary care provider to book an appointment. Be sure to ask if they are offering COVID-19 vaccines in addition to standard and seniors influenza vaccines.

Pharmacies and Public Health Mobile Units

Book your vaccine appointment online or call 1-833-797-7772. If you do not have a Nova Scotia health card, please call to schedule your appointment rather than booking online.

Visit the Public Health Mobile Unit website for drop-in clinics.

What vaccines are available this fall?

COVID-19 Vaccine: Nova Scotia is offering COVID-19 vaccines for people aged 6 months and older.

Find out more: www.nshealth.ca/coronavirusvaccine

Standard Influenza Vaccine: Nova Scotia is offering a standard influenza vaccine for everyone aged 64 and under, which provides great protection. 

Seniors Influenza Vaccine: Nova Scotia is offering seniors aged 65 and older a new enhanced influenza vaccine, also called the ‘seniors influenza vaccine.’ This product is different from the standard influenza vaccine and is shown to have better protection for people in this age range who are more likely to experience severe illness from influenza. 

Find out more: https://www.novascotia.ca/flu

Is it safe to get both vaccines at the same time?

It is safe and recommended to receive both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time.

Can I schedule vaccine appointments for more than one person?

Yes, you can reach out to your primary care provider to schedule appointments for your fall immunizations. New this year, you can also book vaccines online or by phone for up to six people at a time, making it easier for families who would like to get their vaccines in one appointment. This saves you time while booking, and saves you extra trips to vaccine appointments for all members of your family.

Can I reschedule an appointment I have booked?

Appointment rescheduling is not available at this time, but it should be available near the end of October. If you need to reschedule your appointment before this function is added, you will need to cancel and rebook. 

Will I be able to choose the brand I want for my COVID-19 vaccine?

Brands will not be listed online during booking, which is consistent with other routine vaccines. If you are concerned about receiving a particular brand of vaccine, please speak to your provider. It’s important to note that providers may not be able to accommodate special requests.

The brand you received will be listed on your vaccine record, which you can access online at yourhealthns.ca/records or in the records section of the YourHealthNS app.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Even if you are otherwise healthy, respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and influenza can make you very sick. You can also pass these illnesses on to others, who may be more at risk for severe illness, like seniors, people with compromised immune systems, or people living in long-term care. Getting vaccinated protects you, your family and your community.

Are there any other vaccines that I should consider at this time?

Parents with young children should make sure they are up-to-date on their childhood and school age immunizations. For adults, pneumococcal vaccine is available to all Nova Scotians 65 years of age and older, and to specific high risk groups throughout the year. More information about free, routine vaccines can be found online at www.nshealth.ca/immuniizations.