Immunizations and Injections

Stay up-to-date on your vaccines! Prior to giving you any injection or vaccine, the pharmacist will conduct an assessment to ensure it is appropriate for you. Sometimes, vaccines or injections require a prescription. In many cases, pharmacists can write the prescription for you. Flu shots are available at Nova Scotia pharmacies at no charge when you present your Nova Scotia health card.  

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

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

FAQ

  • Do all community pharmacies offer vaccination services?
    • Most pharmacies in Nova Scotia provide vaccination services. Contact your pharmacy for more details. 
  • What qualifications do pharmacy professionals have to vaccinate or inject medications?
    • Licensed pharmacists and registered pharmacy technicians in Nova Scotia may administer vaccines if they have completed an approved immunization and injection training program, have current First Aid and CPR certification, and have obtained a permit to administer drugs by injection from the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists
  • ​​​​​​​Which vaccines are available in pharmacy?
    • Flu, hepatitis A and B, herpes zoster (“Shingles”), human papilloma virus (HPV), and some travel vaccinations. Contact your pharmacy for more details. Fee to inject may apply.
  • ​​​​​​​Will I need to pay to receive a vaccine in pharmacy? 
    • Currently, flu and COVID-19 shots are the only publicly funded vaccines that community pharmacies provide to all Nova Scotians. Meningococcal B vaccine is also publicly funded for eligible patients who are considered at increased risk. CPPCC sites provide other publicly funded vaccines to eligible patients. Other immunizations may be provided by your pharmacy team and may be covered by your private drug plan or other medical benefits plan.