If you have a Nova Scotia Health Card, you can receive your influenza vaccine (flu shot) at your community pharmacy at no cost to you. The vaccine is typically available from the end of October through February.

Who should get the flu shot?

The province of Nova Scotia states the following:

All Nova Scotians over 6 months old are encouraged to get a flu shot, but especially people at high risk of complications, including:

• Adults 65 years of age and older
  • The immune system changes with age and this can make it make it harder for the body to fight off infections. People over 65 are also more likely to have health conditions which can worsen if they get the flu.
• Babies and children aged 6 months to 5 years
  • Because of their age, their immune system is still building immunity to fight off serious infections. (Note: pharmacists can only adminster the flu shot to those who are 2 years of age or older)
• Pregnant women
  • During pregnancy, the body goes through many changes that can make it harder for the body to fight off infections.
  • Women who get the flu shot during pregnancy pass on immunity to their baby. Babies younger than 6 months can't get vaccinated against the flu. Getting your flu shot can help protect your baby from the flu after birth.
• Anyone with chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma and diabetes
  • These conditions can affect a person's immune system and make it harder to fight off infections.
• Indigenous peoples
  • Indigenous peoples have a higher risk of flu-related complications and hospitalizations. This is because of high rates of chronic health conditions, reduced access to healthcare and other social and environmental factors like poor housing conditions.

More information on the the flu can be found here:https://novascotia.ca/flu/