**** NSHA Media Release
Public Health’s Early Years program offers early childhood vaccines at monthly clinic
To help support access to childhood vaccines in Central Zone, Public Health’s Early Years program offers vaccine clinics for children who are behind on their vaccine schedules, as well as those five-years-old and under who do not have a primary care provider, or do not have an MSI number (health card), as is the case for many newcomers.
Early Years clinics offer the following vaccines:
- DTaP-IPV-Hib (diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine)
- RV (Rotavirus)
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
- Meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine
- MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccine)
- Tdap-IPV (Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (whooping cough), and polio vaccine)
The recommended immunization schedule can be found here: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Routine-Immunization-Schedules-for-Children-Youth-Adults.pdf.
These vaccines are publicly funded, meaning families do not have to pay to immunize their children. The vaccines protect against diseases that can be serious and may be difficult to treat. In the most severe cases, vaccine preventable diseases are known to cause long-term side effects, hospitalization and death. Although many of these diseases are now rare, when immunization rates go down, they return to our communities. Immunization helps protect both individuals and the community at large.
Early Years clinics in Central Zone are held on the first and third Wednesday of every month, with additional clinics added when needed. Clinic dates and times are available online at www.nshealth.ca/immunizations, along with information on how members of the public can book an appointment.
Public Health Early Years supports people who are pregnant and people who have young children. Early Years Public Health Nurses (PHNs) can provide support and guidance on issues like infant feeding, weight checks, questions about sleep, mental health, growth and development, immunizations, nutrition, parenting, social supports and more.
Central Zone Early Years offers these core services:
- Home Visiting Program for families with children ages 3 and under
- Family drop-in clinics in communities for families with children ages five and under
- Connection with community organizations that serve families, like family resource centres, food banks and more.
- Access to helpful resources around feeding and taking care of your baby.
Connecting with Public Health
For more information, please contact the Central Zone Public Health Office:
Phone: 902-481-4967
Toll Free: 1-800-430-9557
Email: earlyyearscz@nshealth.ca
Location:
To learn more about Early Years services and resources for families in Nova Scotia, visit https://www.nshealth.ca/public-health.
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