Public Health supporting measles vaccination in Western Zone

With March break coming soon and winter travel picking up, Public Health is offering enhanced access to measles vaccination for those who are eligible in Western Zone. Nova Scotians are reminded that measles is still circulating at high levels across Canada and around the world. It is important to ensure families are up-to-date on their vaccinations at least 14 days prior to travel to be protected, and that two doses (4 weeks apart) are required to be fully immunized.

The following clinics will offer Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccines for free to those who are eligible:

Kentville Volunteer Fire Department
463 Main St., Kentville
Saturday, February 7 from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drop in only for measles vaccination
Additional vaccines available, see www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details

Western Kings Memorial Health Centre – Public Health Office
121 Orchard St., Berwick, 
Monday, February 9 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Call 902-542-6310 to book an appointment (required)

Maple Creek Centre
5169 Nova Scotia Trunk 10, New Germany
Wednesday, February 11 from 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Drop in only for measles vaccination
Additional vaccines available, see www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details

North Queens Volunteer Fire Department
9793 Nova Scotia Trunk 8, Caledonia
Monday, February 16 from 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only for measles vaccines
Additional vaccines available, see www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details

Soldier's Memorial Hospital – Public Health Office
462 Main St., Middleton
Wednesday, February 18 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Call 902-542-6310 to book an appointment (required)

Annapolis Royal Volunteer Fire Department
5 St. Anthony St., Annapolis Royal
Saturday, February 21 from 12 - 4:30 p.m. 
Drop-in only, no appointment needed
Additional vaccines available, see www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details

Western Kings Memorial Health Centre – Public Health Office
121 Orchard St., Berwick
Monday, February 23 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Call 902-542-6310 to book an appointment (required)

Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre – Public Health Office
23 Earnscliffe Ave., Wolfville
Tuesday, February 24 from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
Call 902-542-6310 to book an appointment (required)

Soldier's Memorial Hospital – Public Health Office
462 Main St., Middleton
Wednesday, March 4 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 
Call 902-542-6310 to book an appointment (required)

Why get vaccinated?

Public Health encourages everyone to make sure your routine vaccines are up to date, including vaccines protecting against measles. During this season of increased travel, chances of being exposed to illnesses like measles are higher. Staying protected helps keep your family and community safe, whether you are traveling or staying close to home.

Who can get vaccinated?

Infants (6 to 11 months):

• If planning to travel, 1 dose of MMR vaccine may be given.
• The child will still need two routine doses after their first birthday.

Children and Youth (1 to 17 years):

• 2 doses of MMRV are normally given at 12 and 18 months.
• Older children and youth are eligible for 2 catch-up doses if childhood vaccines were missed.

Adults (18 to 55 years, born in 1970 or later):

• Adults born between 1970 and 1995 were offered only 1 dose as children and another dose is recommended.
• Adults born in 1996 or later were offered 2 doses as children. If 2 doses were received, they are fully vaccinated.
• Adults are eligible for up to 2 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 get a single dose if travelling.

More ways to get vaccinated:

• 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 help 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 by downloading the YourHealthNS app or visiting https://vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca
• View a full list of routine vaccine schedules to see if you are eligible for a vaccine: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Routine-Immunization-Schedules-for-Children-Youth-Adults.pdf

Information for all Public Health clinics:

• Please bring your health card with you, if you have one.
• Immunization clinics are healthcare environments. Masks are required and will be offered upon entry to the clinic.
• Clinics may be cancelled due to inclement weather.