In preparation for the 2020-2021 Influenza season, Nova Scotia Health and Wellness has released a memo from Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer, along with key messages for stakeholders and a detailed information for health 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.