FALL RIVER: With flu season approaching, Nova Scotia’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is encouraging residents to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and the province’s health-care system.
Dr. Robert Strang received his immunizations Monday afternoon at a mobile vaccination clinic held at the Gordon R. Snow Community Centre in Fall River, using the opportunity to remind Nova Scotians that now is the right time to get protected.
“We’re still in kind of what we expected this time of year,” Strang said, noting that flu activity remains within the normal range for this point in the season, although there has been a slight increase compared with last year.
He said some parts of the country have seen flu activity arrive earlier, making it important for people to plan ahead and book their vaccinations.
“Now is the perfect time for people to get protected, get the vaccines and they’ll be well protected,” Strang said.
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According to Strang, more than 150,000 vaccine doses had been delivered in Nova Scotia at the time of the announcement, not including doses provided through family doctors.
He said vaccination numbers were slightly higher than at the same point in previous years.
The province’s immunization program runs from mid-October until just before Christmas, giving residents time to arrange an appointment through the provincial online booking system, their family doctor, a pharmacy or a public health clinic.
Mobile vaccination clinics also help make immunization more accessible in communities across the province.
Strang noted that people should book ahead, as appointments may take a couple of weeks to arrange in some cases while vaccines are distributed across the province.
While flu activity remains within the expected range, Strang emphasized that influenza can still have a significant impact every year, making people sick and sending others to hospital.
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Getting vaccinated helps reduce the risk of serious illness and can help ease pressure on the health-care system. It also helps protect family members and others who may be more vulnerable to infection.
Strang said Nova Scotians have a strong understanding of the importance of vaccination and looking out for one another.
“I’d much rather get a vaccine than actually get really sick with influenza,” he said.
Strang also confirmed that he plans to get vaccinated again next year, reinforcing his message that immunization is an important part of preparing for each flu season.
As the season approaches, residents are encouraged to book their flu shots and check with their health-care provider or local pharmacy about available appointments.
