Public Health supporting summer immunization for children and youth

Public Health continues to support access to free, routine vaccines across the province. This summer, clinics will be held at Public Health offices and in community offering free vaccinations recommended for children and youth. 

Early Childhood Immunization Clinics: Central, Eastern and Northern Zones

Public Health offers regular vaccine clinics for children who do not have a primary care provider in Central, Eastern and Northern zones. These vaccines are publicly funded, which means families do not have to pay to immunize their children.

The following vaccines are offered to children between two months and six years old:

• DTaP-IPV-Hib (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine)
• RV (Rotavirus)
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
• Meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine
• MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine)
• Tdap-IPV (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), and polio vaccine)

These vaccines may also be offered separately at Infant Clinics (2-18 months) and Pre-School Clinics (4-6 years). Check the Routine Vaccine Schedule for eligibility and recommended timelines for childhood vaccines.

Find all Early Childhood Immunization Clinics online at www.nshealth.ca/immunizations.

These vaccines are also available through primary care providers and some pharmacy primary care clinics. Additional vaccination services, including routine childhood vaccines, are also offered at participating Nova Scotia pharmacies. Learn more - https://pans.ns.ca/CPPCC.

Grade 7 Vaccine Catch-up Clinics: Eastern Zone

Youth who missed their grade 7 vaccines can get caught up on these important vaccines for free until they turn 19:

• HPV (human papilloma virus)
• Hepatitis B
• Meningococcal disease types A, C, W, and Y
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis) (the “Tdap” vaccine)

The Sydney Public Health Office (795 Alexandra St. – Suite 203) is offering walk-in clinics throughout July and August to help students get caught up on their grade 7 vaccines:

• Monday - Friday, excluding holidays
• 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Transportation support is available. If you have any questions, call 902-563-2400 or email EZImmunization@nshealth.ca.

If you don’t live near Sydney, call your local Public Health office to schedule an appointment for catch-up vaccines closer to home.

Grade 12 Vaccine Clinics: Northern Zone

Public Health will be holding clinics in Truro and New Glasgow for people who have just graduated from grade 12 and need to catch-up with their grade 7 vaccines before they turn 19 or go into health-related post-secondary education, or to get the Meningitis B vaccine, if eligible. Appointments are required at the following clinics:

Truro Public Health Office (Colchester East Hants Health Centre – Wing B)
600 Abenaki Road, Truro
Call to book an appointment: 902-893-5820

• Monday, July 29 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Monday, August 26 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

New Glasgow Public Health Office
690 East River Road, New Glasgow
Call to book an appointment: 902-752-5151

• Thursday, July 18 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Thursday, August 22 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Transportation support is available (please book at least three days ahead of your appointment). Call 902-893-5820 or email publicHealthTransportation@nshealth.ca.

For more vaccine information, visit www.nshealth.ca/immunizations or call your local Public Health Office.