With the March break approaching and winter travel on the rise, the need for measles vaccinations has never been more pressing. Public Health is stepping up to provide easier access to measles vaccines for eligible individuals in the Western Zone. It’s crucial for Nova Scotians to remember that measles is still a significant health threat, with cases being reported at high levels across Canada and globally. To protect your family while traveling, it’s essential to be current on vaccinations, ideally obtaining them at least 14 days before your departure. Remember, full immunization against measles requires two doses spaced four weeks apart.
Here are the details for upcoming clinics where you can receive the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccines at no cost for those who qualify:
Kentville Volunteer Fire Department
463 Main St., Kentville
Saturday, February 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only for measles vaccination. Additional vaccines are available; check 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. to 3 p.m.
Call 902-542-6310 to schedule an appointment (required).Maple Creek Centre
5169 Nova Scotia Trunk 10, New Germany
Wednesday, February 11 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only for measles vaccination. Additional vaccines are available; see www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details.See AlsoGenetics and Longevity: Unlocking the Secrets to a Longer LifeThe Impact of 'Shared Decision Making' on Childhood Vaccines: What You Need to KnowMcGill University: Social Connections and Cognitive Health in Older AdultsThe Future of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Treatment: NeoCARHP Trial InsightsNorth Queens Volunteer Fire Department
9793 Nova Scotia Trunk 8, Caledonia
Monday, February 16 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only for measles vaccines. Additional vaccines available; check www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details.Soldier's Memorial Hospital – Public Health Office
462 Main St., Middleton
Wednesday, February 18 from 10 a.m. to 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 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only, no appointment necessary. Additional vaccines are available; visit www.nshealth.ca/phmu for more information.Western Kings Memorial Health Centre – Public Health Office
121 Orchard St., Berwick
Monday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Call 902-542-6310 to schedule an appointment (required).Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre – Public Health Office
23 Earnscliffe Ave., Wolfville
Tuesday, February 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Call 902-542-6310 to make an appointment (required).Soldier's Memorial Hospital – Public Health Office
462 Main St., Middleton
Wednesday, March 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Call 902-542-6310 to book an appointment (required).
Why should you consider getting vaccinated?
Public Health strongly urges everyone to keep their routine vaccinations current, especially those against measles. As we enter a season that sees increased travel, the risk of exposure to illnesses like measles rises significantly. Ensuring that you and your loved ones are protected not only safeguards your family but also contributes to the health and safety of the broader community, whether you are traveling or staying local.
Who is eligible for vaccination?
- Infants (6 to 11 months):
If you’re planning to travel, a single dose of the MMR vaccine may be administered. However, the child will still require two routine doses after reaching their first birthday.
Children and Youth (1 to 17 years):
Typically, two doses of MMRV are given at ages 12 and 18 months. Older children and adolescents are eligible for two catch-up doses if they missed any childhood vaccinations.Adults (18 to 55 years, born in 1970 or later):
Individuals born between 1970 and 1995 received only one dose during childhood, thus a second dose is recommended. Those born in 1996 or later typically received two doses as children. If they completed both doses, they are considered fully vaccinated. Additionally, adults can receive up to two catch-up doses if any childhood vaccines were missed.Older Adults (55+ years, born in 1969 or earlier):
Generally, older adults are presumed to be immune; however, if traveling, a single dose might be advisable.
Additional options for getting 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)
- For assistance in locating clinics near you, call 1-833-797-7772.
Further Resources:
- To learn more about free routine vaccines, visit: www.nshealth.ca/immunizations
- For detailed information on measles vaccination, check: www.nshealth.ca/measles
- Verify your immunization records by downloading the YourHealthNS app or visiting https://vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca
- To view a comprehensive list of routine vaccine schedules and determine your eligibility, visit: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Routine-Immunization-Schedules-for-Children-Youth-Adults.pdf
Important Notes for All Public Health Clinics:
- Please bring your health card if you have one.
- Immunization clinics are safe healthcare environments where wearing masks is mandatory; masks will be provided upon entry.
- Be aware that clinics may be canceled due to severe weather conditions.
