Measles Alert: Protect Your Family Before March Break Travel! With the March break approaching and winter travel on the rise, Public Health in the Western Zone is taking proactive steps to ensure residents are shielded from measles, a highly contagious disease still prevalent across Canada and globally. But here’s where it gets crucial: ensuring your family’s vaccinations are up-to-date at least 14 days before travel is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. Measles doesn’t take a vacation, and neither should your immunity. Two doses of the vaccine, administered 4 weeks apart, are essential for full protection. And this is the part most people miss: even if you’re staying local, being vaccinated helps protect your community by preventing outbreaks.
To make vaccination accessible, Public Health is hosting free clinics offering the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) and Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) vaccines. Here’s where and when you can get protected:
Kentville Volunteer Fire Department
463 Main St., Kentville
Saturday, February 7, 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only for measles vaccination. Additional vaccines available—visit www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details.Western Kings Memorial Health Centre – Public Health Office
121 Orchard St., Berwick
Monday, February 9, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Appointment required. Call 902-542-6310.Maple Creek Centre
5169 Nova Scotia Trunk 10, New Germany
Wednesday, February 11, 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only for measles vaccination. Additional vaccines available—visit www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details.North Queens Volunteer Fire Department
9793 Nova Scotia Trunk 8, Caledonia
Monday, February 16, 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only for measles vaccines. Additional vaccines available—visit www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details.Soldier's Memorial Hospital – Public Health Office
462 Main St., Middleton
Wednesday, February 18, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Appointment required. Call 902-542-6310.Annapolis Royal Volunteer Fire Department
5 St. Anthony St., Annapolis Royal
Saturday, February 21, 12 - 4:30 p.m.
Drop-in only, no appointment needed. Additional vaccines available—visit www.nshealth.ca/phmu for details.Western Kings Memorial Health Centre – Public Health Office
121 Orchard St., Berwick
Monday, February 23, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Appointment required. Call 902-542-6310.Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre – Public Health Office
23 Earnscliffe Ave., Wolfville
Tuesday, February 24, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Appointment required. Call 902-542-6310.Soldier's Memorial Hospital – Public Health Office
462 Main St., Middleton
Wednesday, March 4, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Appointment required. Call 902-542-6310.
Why Vaccinate?
Vaccination isn’t just about personal protection—it’s about community immunity. During peak travel seasons, the risk of exposure to measles increases significantly. By staying vaccinated, you’re not only safeguarding your family but also contributing to the health of your community. Controversial question: Should vaccination be mandatory for travelers to high-risk areas? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Who Can Get Vaccinated?
- Infants (6 to 11 months): If traveling, one dose of MMR is recommended, with two routine doses after their first birthday.
- Children and Youth (1 to 17 years): Two doses of MMRV are typically given at 12 and 18 months. Missed doses? Catch-up options are available.
- Adults (18 to 55 years, born 1970 or later): Those born between 1970-1995 may need an additional dose, while those born in 1996 or later are likely fully vaccinated if they received two doses.
- Older Adults (55+ years, born 1969 or earlier): Generally considered immune, but a single dose is recommended for travelers.
More Ways to Get Vaccinated:
- Public Health Immunization Clinics: www.nshealth.ca/public-health-immunization-clinics
- Public Health Mobile Units: www.nshealth.ca/phmu
- Community Pharmacy Primary Care Clinics: https://pans.ns.ca/cppcc
- Primary Care Providers (Family Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, etc.)
- Need help finding a clinic? Call 1-833-797-7772.
Additional Resources:
- Learn about free routine vaccines: www.nshealth.ca/immunizations
- Measles vaccination details: www.nshealth.ca/measles
- Check your immunization records via the YourHealthNS app or https://vaxrecordns.nshealth.ca.
- View routine vaccine schedules: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/cdpc/documents/Routine-Immunization-Schedules-for-Children-Youth-Adults.pdf
Important Notes for Clinics:
- Bring your health card if available.
- Masks are required and provided upon entry.
- Clinics may be canceled due to severe weather.
Final Thought: Vaccination is a powerful tool in the fight against measles. But here’s the real question: Are we doing enough to educate and encourage vaccination in our communities? Share your opinions below—let’s start a conversation that could save lives!
