A high-dose flu vaccine is coming to Nova Scotia long-term care facilities later this year.
Today, the province announced that more than 7,000 doses of the vaccine will be available this fall.
In a release, Health Minister Randy Delorey says the highest rates of severe illness and hospitalizations from influenza come from long-term care facilities, and by making the high-dose vaccine available, they’re helping protect those most at risk.
Delorey says this will have a positive impact.
“It’s hard to determine whether lives would be saved, but reducing the impact of influenza, research shows it has an impact on reducing hospital stays. We recognize how influenza impacts the elderly and in our nursing home environments. This new vaccine will be more effective in that population.”
Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health says the standard vaccine will be available for the general population this fall.
Dr. Strang says the high-dose vaccination yields better protection for seniors with multiple chronic conditions.
Flu shots are available to all Nova Scotians, free of charge.
