Immunizations and Injections

Pharmacies are a convenient and an easily accessible place to receive your immunizations. They are often open evenings and weekends, which means you can access care outside of regular working hours. Staying up-to-date on your immunizations may prevent unnecessary illness and result in less time off work.

Flu shots are available at Nova Scotia pharmacies at no charge when you present your Nova Scotia health card.  For information on the flu shot service, please click here.

Vaccines and injections that can be provided in a pharmacy include:

  • Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (no charge with Nova Scotia health card)
  • Covid-19 Vaccine (no charge with Nova Scotia health card)
  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine
  • Hepatitis A and B Vaccine
  • Haemophilus influenzae B (HIB) Vaccine
  • Varicella (Chicken Pox) Vaccine
  • Meningococcal Disease Vaccine
  • Pneumococcal Disease Vaccine
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine
  • Inactivated poliovirus (Polio) Vaccine
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
  • Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap or Td) Vaccine
  • Yellow Fever*
  • Typhoid Fever Vaccine
  • Rabies
  • Japanese Encephalitis

Please contact your local pharmacy to inquire about availability & cost.

 

*Must be prescribed and provided at a Designated Health Canada Center or other approved designation to provide this service.

Who should receive vaccines?

•    People who travel.
•    People aged 50+. The pain from shingles can be debilitating and can last up to one year. Serious complications can also occur.
•    Adults and teen-aged children who did not receive the vaccines that cover all five strains of meningococcal disease. Prior to September 2015, Grade 7 students in Nova Scotia received vaccination against one strain. Currently, they are receiving vaccination against four strains in Grade 7.
•    Females aged 9-45 and males 9-26 (or older in some cases.) A new HPV vaccine that covers 9 strains of HPV is now available in Canada. This vaccine prevents genital warts, cervical cancer, anal and genital cancers. Those who have received the HPV vaccine through the school system only received immunizations for four strains.   
•    People aged 65+. Two types of pneumococcal vaccinations may be recommended for all people over the age of 65 and people with medical conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, smokers and other medical conditions that place the person at higher risk of infections and complications.
•    People who are not up-to-date on their vaccines

•    Nova Scotia residents who are 25 or younger and in congregate living are recommended to get their Meningococcal B vaccine. If you’re eligible, you should get the meningococcal B vaccine before entering congregate living.

Assessments and Prescribing

Prior to giving you any injection or vaccine, the pharmacist will conduct an assessment to sure it is appropriate for you. Sometimes, vaccines or injections require a prescription. In many cases, pharmacists can write the prescription for you.