COVID-19 Vaccines

People aged 6 months and older can now book their COVID-19 vaccine for the fall/winter season. 

We invite everyone who is eligible in Nova Scotia to get a free COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself, your family and your community. 

Book your COVID and flu vaccines

How many doses are needed?

Most people only need one dose each fall. 

Children aged 6 months to 4 years who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine will need two doses in the first season they are vaccinated. 

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and have never received a COVID-19 vaccine will need an extra dose as compared with others in their age group in the first season they are vaccinated.

Getting vaccinated each fall protects against the current strains of COVID-19. Some people at higher risk need an additional dose in the spring to boost protection, as immunity decreases over time. 

Jump to: 

• What vaccines are available?
• Recommended time between doses       
• Vaccine Eligibility After COVID-19 Recovery    
• Getting the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines     
• How to access your vaccine record     
• Allergies 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding/chestfeeding 
• Immunocompromised status     
• Medical Contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination     
• What to expect at your vaccine appointment

What vaccines are available?

Nova Scotia is offering mRNA vaccines for people aged 6 months and older. If you are not able to get an mRNA vaccine due to health concerns, please tell your provider.

Any of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Nova Scotia can be used even if you received another product in the past. 

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.

Recommended time between doses

Primary Series

Ages 6 months to 4 years: 8 weeks are needed between the two primary series doses. 

Children who are moderately to severely immunocompromised will need an extra dose to complete their primary series. The time between the first and second dose is 4 to 8 weeks, as is the time between the second and third dose for those who are immunocompromised. 

Ages 5 and older: Only one dose is needed for a primary series. People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised will need a second dose to complete their primary series. The time between the two doses is 4 to 8 weeks.

Additional doses

Ages 6 months and older: There should be at least 3 months between doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccination After COVID-19 Recovery

Vaccination after a known COVID-19 infection (also known as hybrid immunity) helps improve the immune response and provides better and longer-lasting protection than infection or vaccination alone.

If you need your first dose, wait at least 8 weeks after recovering to get the vaccine, or at least 4 weeks if you are moderately to severely immunocompromised.

If you are due for an additional dose, wait at least 3 months after recovering or your last COVID-19 vaccine (whichever is later). 

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as other vaccines

People aged 6 months and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as another vaccine, or at any time before or after other vaccines. Receiving your COVID-19 and influenza vaccine at the same time is safe and convenient. If your provider is offering both vaccines, book them both in the same appointment. 

Find out how to book your seasonal vaccines.

How to access your vaccine record

You can access your COVID-19 vaccine record on VaxRecordNS or by going to the records section of the YourHealthNS website or app. You can also get your COVID-19 vaccine record on this website. 

Allergies

A confirmed allergy to COVID-19 vaccines is rare. If your healthcare provider has questions about allergies and COVID-19 vaccines, they can contact an allergist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding / chestfeeding

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) strongly recommends that people who are pregnant stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. Getting vaccinated at any point during your pregnancy helps protect you and your baby.

It is safe for you and your baby to be vaccinated while you are breastfeeding/chestfeeding.

Immunocompromised status

If you are immunosuppressed from disease or treatment, you may have a reduced immune response to any COVID-19 vaccine. Visit COVID-19 vaccine information for people who are immunocompromised for more information.

Medical Contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination

Medical contraindications against COVID-19 vaccines are limited, and include:

• a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g. anaphylaxis) after previously getting a COVID-19 vaccine using a similar platform (mRNA or viral vector)
• an allergy to any part of a specific COVID-19 vaccine or its container (e.g., polyethylene glycol [PEG])

As a precaution, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that people who experienced myocarditis and/or pericarditis after a first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should wait to get their next dose of mRNA vaccine until more information is available.

If you have a history of myocarditis or pericarditis and are still being followed by a doctor for related heart issues, please follow up with your healthcare provider before receiving the vaccine.

Nova Scotians who are concerned about their personal medical history and the available mRNA vaccines should speak with their healthcare provider.

What to expect at your vaccine appointment

Before your vaccine

• Wear a short-sleeve shirt or a top with sleeves that are easy to roll up.
• To prevent feeling faint while being vaccinated, have something to eat before coming to the clinic. It is also important to drink water and stay hydrated.
• Bring your health card, if you have one.
• Please do not come to the clinic if you are not feeling well. 

After your vaccine

• Stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine. You may be asked to wait for 30 minutes if there is concern about a possible vaccine allergy.
• Tell a healthcare provider at the clinic if you feel unwell while waiting. 
• Use the alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands before leaving the clinic.

Side effects

• Side effects are common and can show the vaccine is working to produce protection in your body.
• Side effects may make you feel unwell for 1 to 3 days. The most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines are:
  • soreness / redness / swelling where you received the needle
  • headache
  • muscle or joint pain
  • chills or fever
• It can help to place a cool, damp cloth or wrapped ice pack where the vaccine was given. If you need it, pain or fever medication (such as acetaminophen/Tylenol or ibuprofen) may help with pain or fever.
• If you have any concerns about the symptoms you develop after getting the vaccine, contact your health care provider for advice.

Symptoms of a possible allergic reaction

• Hives
• Swelling on the face, tongue or throat
• Difficulty breathing

Serious side effects after getting the vaccine are rare. However, if you develop any serious symptoms that could be an allergic reaction, call 911 right away.