Traffic Impacts on Robie Street Near Halifax Infirmary – April 25, 2026
 
Nova Scotia Health is advising crane operations will continue on Robie Street, on Saturday, April 25, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. All southbound lanes on Robie Street will be closed between Quinpool Road and Jubilee Road.


Patients and visitors are advised to use alternate routes during this time. Sidewalks and pedestrian access will remain open. The emergency department will remain open and fully accessible throughout the work.
 
We apologize for any inconvenience.

Nova Scotia Health Website

HPV

What you need to know about the HPV vaccine and why it’s important

HPV affects everyone. 

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are many different types of HPV,  and it is the most common sexually transmitted infection. About 3 out of 4 unvaccinated sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives. 

The HPV vaccine protects you.

The HPV vaccine protects you against nine common types of HPV. While most HPV infections are harmless, some infections can lead to genital warts or cancer. This can happen to anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation.

HPV doesn't discriminate.

While the HPV vaccine was initially offered only to girls and women in Canada when it was first approved for use in 2006, this is no longer the case. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is now recommended for all children and adolescents starting as young as 9 years of age. It is also recommended for Two-Spirit and transgender people and men who have sex with men.

The HPV vaccine protects against cancer.

The HPV vaccine protects against nine strains (types) of HPV and they may cause up to: 

  • 92% of cervical cancers
  • 75% of anal cancers - Anal cancer is rare but increasing. In 2016, 200 men were diagnosed with anal cancer in Canada.
  • 57% of penile cancers
  • 72% of vaginal cancers
  • 25% of head and neck cancers
  • 90% of genital warts
     

Did you know?

More than 9 of every 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. Almost all cervical cancer can be prevented by HPV vaccination.

The HPV vaccine is safe.

Over 15 years of vaccine safety monitoring has shown that the HPV vaccine is safe. More than 200 million doses of the vaccine have been safely given worldwide. 

The HPV vaccine works.

When given at a young age, studies show the HPV vaccine is nearly 100% effective at preventing infection of the most common types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, other cancers, and genital warts.

Reduce your HPV risk

HPV vaccination is one of the best ways to help protect yourself against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases. 

To further reduce your risk:

  • Limit your number of sexual partners
  • Use a condom correctly and consistently
  • Don't smoke
  • Get screened for HPV and HPV-causing cancers

Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible to receive the HPV vaccine?
In Nova Scotia, youth are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine up until their 19th birthday. Two-Spirit and transgender people and men who have sex with men are also eligible for the free vaccine until they turn 46.

How much does it cost?
For Nova Scotians up to the age of 19, it is a publicly funded vaccine, meaning it’s free! It is also free for Two-Spirit and transgender people and men who have sex with men, up to the age of 46. 

If you are not eligible for the publicly funded vaccine, you may be able to purchase it through a pharmacy. Some health insurance plans do cover a portion of the fee. Please speak with your healthcare provider to see if this option is right for you.

I’m already sexually active, why do I need it?
While it is true that the vaccine works best when given before sexual activity begins people can benefit from the HPV vaccine even if they have been sexually active. This is because the vaccine may offer protection from the types of HPV they haven’t yet been exposed to or contracted yet.

What if my parents don’t want me to get it?
There is no age of consent for immunizations in Nova Scotia. Individuals under the age of 19 who can understand the benefits of and possible reactions to the vaccine, and the risk of not getting immunized, can legally consent to or refuse immunizations on their own. Every student is provided this information regarding these vaccines and is evaluated before immunization. This means that if they understand these risks and benefits, then they may decide for themselves whether to receive a vaccine or not.

Where can someone get the vaccine?
In Nova Scotia, the HPV vaccine is mostly provided by Public Health through the school-based vaccine program and special catch-up programs. If you missed the school vaccine program in grade 7, you can still get the HPV vaccine from Public Health until you turn 19. 

For those young adults who are Two-Spirit, transgender or men who have sex with men, speak with your healthcare provider, connect with a local sexual health clinic, or watch for a Public Health Mobile Unit clinic in your area.

How would someone know if they’ve already received it?
Anyone over the age of 16 can access their own vaccination records through the YourHealthNS app or website (www.yourhealthns.ca). We encourage youth to get a copy of you record before they need them in case changes need to be made, or they need to get missed vaccinations.

Students can also request their records by completing this form (found at www.nshealth.ca/immunizations) and sending it back to Public Health.

If anyone has questions about their records, they can contact their local Public Health Office (find an office at www.nshealth.ca/Public-Health). 

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