Health officials in Nova Scotia are encouraged by the vaccination rates despite a slight decrease in flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. The 2024-25 respiratory season saw 135 flu-related deaths compared to 123 from COVID-19, marking the first time flu deaths surpassed COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic began. Approximately 30% of Nova Scotians received flu shots, while COVID-19 vaccinations were just under 19%.
Dr. Catherine Brown, the regional medical officer of health for the central zone, noted higher flu vaccination rates among high-risk groups, averaging around 60-65% for individuals over 65 and even higher for those in long-term care facilities. COVID-19 vaccination rates have been progressively increasing, with almost 87% of Nova Scotians receiving a primary dose by the end of 2022.
While the COVID vaccine program transitioned into a seasonal program, the vaccination rate for the 2023-24 season was 22.8%. Dr. Brown emphasized the importance of vaccination for higher-risk categories and highlighted the differences in recommended groups for flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Dr. Scott Halperin, a professor at Dalhousie University, expressed concerns over declining vaccination rates, attributing it to vaccine fatigue and politicization surrounding vaccines. He emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting against diseases and highlighted the cyclical nature of vaccine debates.
A recent measles outbreak in Nova Scotia’s northern zone was declared over after affecting 61 people. Public Health’s awareness campaign resulted in a significant increase in measles, mumps, and rubella vaccinations compared to the previous year. Dr. Halperin emphasized the societal responsibility of individuals to protect each other through vaccination.
Vaccination bookings for COVID and flu shots are now open in Nova Scotia, aiming to increase immunization rates and protect public health.