Nova Scotia Health has made changes to parking and the main entrance of the QEII Halifax Infirmary. Learn more.
Jesse Kancir, Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia Health’s Eastern Zone, said as of the end of July, the Public Health immunization team had provided 265 vaccines through their summer catch-up clinics. The clinics are targeting students who missed their grade 7 immunizations and are open to others who may also need to catch up on missed vaccines. Vaccines provided in childhood and through school-based immunization programs are free, including to students who are on catch-up schedules.
“Vaccines are safe and the most effective way to prevent disease outbreaks,” said Kancir. “They’re one of our most important preventative approaches in healthcare.” Kancir noted that globally, we’re seeing the consequences of under-vaccination in the form of a resurgence of disease outbreaks. This includes recent reports of higher-than-expected cases of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and pertussis outbreaks in Canada this past year, including in the Atlantic provinces.
In past summers, the Eastern Zone Public Health team has offered booked appointments to those who needed to catch up on immunizations. This year, they added a drop-in clinic option, offered Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sydney Public Health office, 795 Alexandra Street, Suite 203. Donnie DeLeskie, licensed practical nurse, is proud to be one of the immunizers.
“For a multitude of reasons, some kids will miss our school visits throughout the year, be it for illness, not having signed consent forms, etc. Any kids who are eligible, we encourage them to get immunized,” said DeLeskie, who confirmed the clinics have been well received.
“People’s lives are busy. They’re happy that we’re flexible and accommodating. We try to make every visit a positive visit so we’re laying the foundation for the next one.”
Kim Shebib, immunization charge nurse, health protection, said many vaccines are required for students entering post-secondary school and those entering a health-related employment opportunity. She encourages students, under 19, who still need vaccinations to take advantage of the clinics, which continue until Aug. 30.
“We’d love to see those numbers continue to increase,” echoed Kancir. “While this is the last week for
drop-in clinics, people can call and make an appointment all year long.”
For more information about public health immunizations, visit Immunizations | Nova Scotia Health To access your vaccination records, visit the YourHealthNS app, and go to the ‘records’ section to find VaxRecordNS.
Photo of Claudia Aucoin, Health Protection LPN, who works in the immunization program, is shown vaccinating during a drop-in clinic.