Vaccines to restart

HALIFAX — Grade 7 students across Nova Scotia can now get their second round of immunizations, which were postponed due to COVID-19.

Starting this month and continuing into August, public health is scheduling clinics for 2019-20 Grade 7 students to get the immunizations before the beginning of the next school year.

The immunizations include those against hepatitis B, HPV (human papillomavirus), meningococcal disease, tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis.

“We don't want students to get behind on their immunizations — we want them to have the fullest protection possible when it comes to these diseases,” said CaraLeah Hmidan, health protection manager with NSHA public health, in a news release.

Hmidan said she expects the clinics will provide close to 9,200 students with needed immunizations.

According to the Nova Scotia Health Authority website, clinics will not be held at every school. Students from different schools may have to get their immunizations at one location. Public health said logistics, staffing and COVID-19 protocols were factored in when choosing locations for the clinics.

Nova Scotia reported four new cases of COVID-19 since July 1. Keeping students safe from the disease remains a concern for public health.

“While we are encouraged at the decline of COVID-19 activity in Nova Scotia, we are taking all precautions and following guidelines to reduce risk of any COVID-19 transmission at the clinics,” said Hmidan.