As the rates of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations have slightly decreased in recent years, a Nova Scotia Health official expresses optimism due to the demographics of those receiving vaccinations.
In the 2024-25 respiratory season, there were 135 flu-related deaths and 123 COVID-19-related deaths in Nova Scotia, marking the first time flu deaths surpassed COVID-19 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
During the latest respiratory season, approximately 30% of Nova Scotians received flu shots, while just under 19% got COVID-19 vaccinations. Over the past decade, Nova Scotians’ influenza vaccination rate has hovered around one-third.
Highest Vaccination Uptake in High-Risk Groups
Dr. Catherine Brown, the regional medical officer of health for the central zone, noted significantly higher flu vaccination rates among high-risk groups, averaging around 60 to 65% for those over 65 and even higher for individuals in long-term care facilities.
Comparing COVID-19 vaccination rates is more complex. The COVID vaccination program began in late 2020 in Nova Scotia and had not yet transitioned to a seasonal schedule like the flu vaccine during the early pandemic years.
By the end of 2022, almost 87% of Nova Scotians had received their primary dose of the COVID vaccine. For the 2023-24 respiratory season, the COVID vaccination rate was 22.8%, rising to 18.6% last year, with rates reaching 49% for those over 65 and approximately 75% for individuals in long-term care facilities.
Dr. Brown emphasized the positive trend of high-risk individuals being more likely to get vaccinated against flu and COVID, stating, “That’s really encouraging to see that those Nova Scotians who are most at risk of getting sick from flu and COVID are the ones who are most likely to get vaccinated.”
Dr. Brown recommended that everyone eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccines should receive them, with particular importance for those in higher-risk categories.
While there is some overlap in high-risk groups for both vaccines, such as individuals over 65 or in long-term care, there are distinctions. For instance, children under five are at elevated risk for severe flu illness but not for COVID unless they are immunocompromised.
“Who we really want to see get vaccinated are those at increased risk because that really is the best tool to protect themselves against these diseases,” added Dr. Brown.
Bookings for COVID and flu shots are currently available in Nova Scotia.
Challenges in Vaccine Uptake
Dr. Scott Halperin, a professor at Dalhousie University specializing in vaccinology, highlighted the declining vaccination rates, attributing them to vaccine fatigue and the politicization of COVID vaccine debates.
Halperin pointed out that vaccine hesitancy has been a recurring issue over the centuries, with varying levels of public discourse during disease outbreaks and controlled phases.
On a positive note, a measles outbreak in the northern zone was recently declared over in Nova Scotia, with 61 affected individuals prompting a successful awareness campaign for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Dr. Brown reported a significant increase in MMR vaccine doses administered this year compared to the previous year, indicating a positive response to Public Health messaging on perceived risks.
Community Responsibility and Solidarity
Dr. Halper
