Public Health Resources for Black People

Want to help promote vaccination and Black health in your community? Check out the Black Health and Wellness Promotional Toolkit!

Make vaccination part of Black health and your family’s wellness.

Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics

The Public Health Mobile Unit will be offering Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics throughout the fall and winter respiratory season. These clinics are offered in partnership with the Advisory Committee for Black Public Health and are open to the public.

Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics give African Nova Scotian and Black families a place to ask questions and receive vaccinations in a setting that feels familiar and respectful. While these are culturally competent clinics for African Nova Scotian and Black communities, all are welcome!

Central Zone

Halifax area, Eastern Shore and West Hants

New Beginnings Ministries
26 Cherry Brook Rd., Cherry Brook
Tuesday, October 27 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Emmanuel Baptist Church
633 Pockwock Rd., Hammonds Plains
Monday, November 9 from11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Black Health and Wellness Vaccine Workshop
LeBrun Recreation Centre
36 Holland Ave., Bedford
Saturday, November 14
Workshop: 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Vaccine Clinic: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Keshen Goodman Public Library
Thomas Raddell Room
330 Lacewood Dr., Halifax
Saturday, January 9 from 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Eastern Zone

Cape Breton, Guysborough and Antigonish

UNIA Cultural Museum
35 Jessome St., Glace Bay
Wednesday, November 18 from 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Black Health and Wellness Vaccine Workshop
Ukrainian Parish Hall
49 West St., Sydney
Saturday, November 28
Workshop: 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Vaccine Clinic: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Menelik Hall
88 Laurier St., Sydney
Saturday, December 12 from 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex
60 Green St., Guysborough
Wednesday, December 16 from 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Northern Zone

Colchester-East Hants, Cumberland and Pictou

Truro Library (Read Room)
754 Prince St., Truro
Friday, October 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Four Father’s Library
21 Acadia St., Amherst
Monday, November 9 from 12:30 – 4 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Ward One Social & Recreation Centre
487 Brother St., New Glasgow
Wednesday, November 18 from 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Western Zone

Annapolis Valley, South Shore and South West

Gibson Woods District & Community Centre
485 Gibson Woods Rd., Gibson Woods
Thursday, October 22 from 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

Shelburne Community Centre
63 King St., Shelburne
Sunday, December 13 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Download the clinic poster

CLINIC DETAILS

Public Health Nurses at the clinics can review your vaccine history and help you decide what you may need. The following vaccines will be offered for free for those who are eligible:

COVID (6 months+)
Standard Flu (6 months+)
Seniors’ Flu (65+)
Pneumococcal (65+)
Shingles (65+)
Adult RSV (75+)

Drop-ins are welcome for all vaccines. Booked appointments available for COVID, flu and adult RSV vaccines. You can book online or by calling 811.

This clinic also offers free naloxone kits, STI Care Now kits, and support for navigating the health system, community and social services. Language interpretation is available for all services.

If you need a COVID or flu test, visit nshealth.ca/coronavirustesting or call 1-833-797-7772 for more information.

Information for clinic visitors:

Bring your health card if you have one.
Check this page for updates, including schedule changes and cancellations.
Masks are available. If you have symptoms of illness, please wear one inside the clinic.

Free routine vaccines in Nova Scotia

African Nova Scotia and Black families in Nova Scotia are encouraged to stay up to date with free routine vaccines. Vaccines are safe, effective and help protect people from serious illness.

Routine vaccines are given at all stages of life, based on your age, risk factors, and other health and living conditions. Learn more about free vaccines in Nova Scotia, access your vaccine records, or report vaccines received in another province at www.nshealth.ca/immunizations.

If you have questions about vaccines, your vaccine records, or how to get vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or contact your local Public Health office. They are here to help you and your family stay healthy.

Where can my family get vaccines for free?

In addition to Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics, Public Health offers free, routine vaccines year-round in their offices and communities across the province. Find out where clinics are happening.

You can also contact your local Public Health Office to book an appointment, call your primary care provider, or go to a community pharmacy primary care clinic.

Why is vaccination so important for Black families?

Due to anti-Black racism and social and economic factors, people of African descent are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and chronic disease.

Black people are disproportionately affected by many serious health conditions, like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and others. Conditions like these put people at higher risk for severe illness from vaccine-preventable infections.

Publicly funded vaccines vary based on different health conditions. You can find a full list of available vaccines for people with high-risk conditions at this link.

What other steps can Black families take to stay healthy?

Vaccination is the best way to prevent certain illnesses, but you can take other steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness in your home and community. Consider the following in addition to vaccination for your family’s health and wellness:

Stay home when you’re sick, and wear a mask if you need to go out while you have symptoms.
Wash your hands regularly, especially if you or someone in your household is sick.
Ensure your diet includes lots of healthy foods, like fruits, vegetables and lean proteins (like chicken and fish).
Build exercise into your weekly routine. Depending on your level of mobility, this can include going for walks, swimming, playing sports and much more.
Focus on self-care. Take breaks, speak with mental health professionals, embrace your community and build a network of people you can rely on.

What is the Advisory Committee for Black Public Health?

The Advisory Committee for Black Public Health is a collaborative group of healthcare and community organizations, working together to improve access and quality of healthcare for African Nova Scotian and Black communities. This committee highlights the importance of vaccination as part of a healthy lifestyle to improve health outcomes. They also emphasize other steps Black families can take to stay healthy and thrive.

Members of this committee include: