Public Health Urges Western Zone Residents to Get Measles Vaccinated
With the upcoming March break and increasing winter travel, Public Health is offering enhanced access to measles vaccination for eligible individuals in the Western Zone. Nova Scotians are reminded that measles remains a significant concern across Canada and globally, with ongoing high-level circulation.
It is crucial to ensure that families are up-to-date on their vaccinations, at least 14 days before travel, to ensure protection. Two doses of the measles vaccine, administered 4 weeks apart, are required for full immunization.
The following clinics will provide free measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (MMRV) vaccines to eligible individuals:
- Kentville Volunteer Fire Department (February 7, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
- Western Kings Memorial Health Centre - Public Health Office (February 9, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
- Maple Creek Centre (February 11, 12 - 4:30 p.m.)
- North Queens Volunteer Fire Department (February 16, 12 - 4:30 p.m.)
- Soldier's Memorial Hospital - Public Health Office (February 18, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
- Annapolis Royal Volunteer Fire Department (February 21, 12 - 4:30 p.m.)
- Western Kings Memorial Health Centre - Public Health Office (February 23, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
- Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre - Public Health Office (February 24, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
- Soldier's Memorial Hospital - Public Health Office (March 4, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
Why Get Vaccinated?
Public Health strongly encourages everyone to ensure their routine vaccines, including those for measles, are up-to-date. With increased travel during this season, the risk of exposure to illnesses like measles rises. Staying protected not only safeguards individuals but also their families and communities, whether traveling or staying at home.
Who Can Get Vaccinated?
- Infants (6 to 11 months): One dose of the MMR vaccine may be administered if planning to travel, followed by two routine doses after their first birthday.
- Children and Youth (1 to 17 years): Two doses of MMRV are typically given at 12 and 18 months. Older children and youth can receive two catch-up doses if childhood vaccines were missed.
- Adults (18 to 55 years, born in 1970 or later): Those born between 1970 and 1995 received one dose as children and should receive another. Adults born in 1996 or later received two doses as children and are fully vaccinated if they received both. Adults can receive up to two catch-up doses if childhood vaccines were missed.
- Older Adults (55+ years, born in 1969 or earlier): Older adults are generally considered immune but can receive a single dose if traveling.
Additional Vaccination Options:
- Public Health Immunization Clinics: www.nshealth.ca/public-health-immunization-clinics
- Public Health Mobile Units: www.nshealth.ca/phmu
- Public Health Offices: www.nshealth.ca/public-health
- Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics: https://pans.ns.ca/cppcc
- Primary Care Providers (Family Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Family Practice Nurses)
- Call 1-833-797-7772 for assistance finding clinics in your area.
Additional Resources:
- Learn more about free, routine vaccines: www.nshealth.ca/immunizations
- Learn more about measles vaccination: www.nshealth.ca/measles
- Check your immunization records: Download the YourHealthNS app or visit https://vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca
- View routine vaccine schedules: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Routine-Immunization-Schedules-for-Children-Youth-Adults.pdf
Clinic Information:
- Please bring your health card if available.
- Masks are required and will be provided upon entering the clinic.
- Clinics may be canceled due to severe weather conditions.
