Nova Scotia Public Health to hold measles clinics at 4 Halifax-area schools

Nova Scotia Public Health will hold measles clinics at four schools in the Halifax Regional Municipality this weekend.

The department says no measles cases have been identified in Nova Scotia as this time, but vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease as it spreads easily.

Vaccine clinics

The clinics will be held at:

• Kingswood Elementary 34 Vrege Ct., Hammonds Plains from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday
• Oceanview Elementary 51 Oceanview School Rd., Eastern Passage 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday
• Cole Harbour District High School 2 Chameau Cr., Dartmouth from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday
• George P. Vanier Junior High 1410 Fall River Rd., Fall River from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sunday

“People from the school and broader communities who are eligible for the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) or measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) vaccines can come and get vaccinated for free, no appointment needed,” reads a message from Nova Scotia Public Health.

The department says additional clinics will be held in the coming weeks in the Central Zone. Additionally, vaccines can be booked through primary care providers, community pharmacy primary care clinics and Public Health officers.

Who should get vaccinated?

Nova Scotia Public Health shared the following vaccination guidelines

• Infants (six to 11 months) – One dose of MMR vaccine may be given if planning to travel. The child will still need two routine doses after their first birthday.
• Children and youth (one to 17 years) – This age group is eligible for two catch-up doses if childhood vaccines were missed. Two doses of MMRV are normally given at 12 and 18 months.
• Adults (18 to 55 years) – Adults born between 1970 and 1995 were offered only one dose as children and another dose is recommended. Adults born in 1996 or later were offered two doses as children. If two doses were received, they are fully vaccinated. Adults are eligible for up to two catch-up doses if childhood vaccines were missed.
• Adults (born 1969 or earlier) – Older adults are generally considered immune, but can get a single dose if travelling

“Parents are encouraged to check their family’s vaccine records and get the measles vaccine if missing doses. Check your vaccine records at vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca,” reads the message.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page