Some Sydney students can now access vaccinations at walk-in clinic

Nova Scotia's Public Health unit in Sydney is doing things differently this summer to get middle school students caught up on their vaccinations.

Grade 7 students who missed getting immunized during the school year can usually make an appointment for the shots in the summer, but this year, they can also visit a walk-in clinic.

Don Deleskie, a licensed practical nurse with Public Health, said the increasing number of international students in the region and some people's reluctance toward vaccines are playing a role in the decision to offer immunizations without appointments.

Although he couldn't say how many students missed their shots at school this year, Deleskie said international students don't all arrive in September, so there's now more catching up to do throughout the year.

And generally, it's not always easy for parents to find vaccination records and officials have to track down parents who may have moved after the start of the school year, he said.

"Vaccine hesitancy is always a challenge," Deleskie added. "It's out there. We're aware of that and doing our best to accommodate those people."

Grade 7 students are targeted for immunization against the human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, meningococcal disease and tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough.

Deleskie said Public Health wants to make it easy to get as many people vaccinated as possible and a walk-in clinic is one way to do that.

Another way is to offer immunizations for free.

"These are publicly funded vaccines, but [only] up until the age of 19," Deleskie said. "After the age of 19, the client is responsible for funding those vaccines themselves."

Parents with middle school children who missed their vaccinations can drop in to the Public Health office at 795 Alexandra St. in Sydney anytime between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays until the end of August.

Those outside of Sydney can call 902-563-2400 to make an appointment closer to home.

Nova Scotia Health also offers help with transportation and will answer questions about vaccinations by email at ezimmunization@nshealth.ca.