In past years clinics were held in community halls and centres throughout parts of Yarmouth, Shelburne and Digby Counties.
However beginning last fall Nova Scotians were given the option of getting their flu shots at pharmacies. Flu shots are being given at pharmacies across the province again this year.
There is no cost and no need for appointments. Typically people are asked to stick around for 15 minutes after they receive the shot to ensure they don’t have a reaction.
People can also get the flu shot for free from their family doctor or a nurse practitioner.
Although South West Health says community flu shot clinics won’t be offered, it does say that people with a child under 5 years old and with no health care provider can still call the local Public Health Office to make an appointment for a flu shot if need be.
Fraser Mooney, a spokesperson for South West Health, says the decision not to offer community clinics is simply because of the flu shot’s availability.
“This is not a budget measure at all. There is really no cost savings associated with this as Public Health staff are still employed whether they are conducting clinics or not,” he says.
“We have held community clinics in the past because we wanted to make sure as many people as possible had access to the flu vaccine. Now that pharmacies are able to give the flu shot, people have greater access than ever before. Far better access than we can provide,” Mooney adds. “Plus many pharmacies offer flexible times, often seven days a week with daytime and evening hours.”
Both South West Health and the province are urging Nova Scotians to get flu shots. Last year 42 per cent of Nova Scotians got a flu shot.
"Vaccination is the single most important way to prevent the flu, which can be a very serious illness," says Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "It's free, safe and effective, and we encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine, but especially people at high risk for complications such as pregnant women."
In a media release from the province, other high-risk groups strongly encouraged to get a flu shot are seniors, those six months to five years of age, Aboriginal people, anyone with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, and those who live with, or care for, people in high-risks groups.
Flu symptoms often include a sudden high fever, headache, fatigue and weakness, general aches and pains, a runny and stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat. The Department of Health and Wellness says the flu can lead to more severe illness such as pneumonia or even, in some cases, death.
Proper hygiene such as hand washing and covering noses and mouths when coughing or sneezing is also important to prevent the spread of influenza and many other infections. People with flu symptoms are being told they should also stay home and minimize close contact with others so as not to spread the infection.
South West Health, and other health districts, asks people not to visit hospitals or long-term care facilities if they or someone in their home is sick with the flu, even if the symptoms are mild.
