In preparation for the 2020-2021 Influenza season, attached are: a memo from Dr. Strang, key messages as a Q & A, and Influenza Information for Health Care providers. These documents may be of assistance to care providers.
As in previous years, all Nova Scotians aged 6 months and older will be eligible to receive the influenza vaccine. However, it is of utmost importance that those individuals at high risk for influenza related complications or hospitalizations, including pregnant women and individuals capable of transmitting influenza to others, be immunized. In addition, this year, to reduce the risk of severe illness that could potentially arise from co-infection with COVID-19 and influenza, people at high risk of COVID-19 related illness and those people capable of transmitting influenza to those at high risk of severe illness related to COVID-19 are particularly recommended to receive the influenza vaccine this fall .
This influenza season, Nova Scotia will offer the following influenza vaccines:
- inactivated quadrivalent influenza vaccine for individuals 6 months of age and older
- inactivated high-dose trivalent influenza vaccine for residents of Long-Term Care facilities (nursing homes and residential care facilities) 65 years of age and older and for 2020-21 only, those hospitalized patients designated as alternate level of care, awaiting Long-Term Care facility placement aged 65 years and older.
The document "Publicly Funded Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Information 2020-21" (see attachment below) was updated on Nov 4, 2020.
Note that the suspension for Flulaval Tetra Vaccine issued on Nov 16, 2020 has been lifted. The DoHW is advising to release the hold on the product and use for administration. See attached memo below.
