Nova Scotia reaches 400,000 dose milestone in COVID-19 vaccine plan

NEWS RELEASE
COVID-19/HEALTH/WELLNESS
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The province reached 400,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine in arms today, May 13.

That's a doubling of the amount of vaccinations in less than a month, after celebrating 200,000 doses administered on April 16.

Since then, the age groups for vaccine eligibility have been lowered five times, making more than 558,000 people eligible to book an appointment.

“We have seen a rapid expansion of our COVID-19 vaccination program across the province over a few short weeks. We are now closer than ever to providing everyone who is able to receive the vaccine a first dose by the end of June,” said Premier Iain Rankin. “Thank you to all staff who are working to provide vaccinations for Nova Scotians. I was able to drop in virtually to the clinic in Sydney today to help celebrate the 400,000th dose. You're doing a great job! Thank you.”

As of end of day May 12, about 37.5 per cent of Nova Scotians have had one or more doses of the vaccine.

The province has also reached vaccine coverage rates of more than 80 per cent in people aged 60 and older. This means older Nova Scotians are better protected against the spread of COVID-19, a key element in Nova Scotia's vaccination plan.

“Our vaccination program is a marathon, not a race. We've always said we need to get good, before we get fast,” said Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health. “The hard work of staff on the frontlines and behind the scenes has paid off and we have a vaccination program that can efficiently mesh the demand for vaccines with the supply we receive to get doses into arms quickly.”

To provide a dose sooner and to ensure there is no waste, a new waitlist feature has been added to the vaccine booking page. When booking an appointment, people can now request to be added to a waitlist at the clinic where they have booked. If there is a cancellation, the person may be called to immediately receive their vaccine, which frees up an appointment and a dose for someone else.

Key vaccine program statistics:
— all licensed long-term care facility residents have been fully vaccinated
— residents of unlicensed seniors facilities are on track to be fully vaccinated by the end of May
— 91 per cent of those over age 80 have had at least one dose
— 96 per cent of those aged 75 to 79 have had at least one dose
— 93 per cent of those aged 70 to 74 have had at least one dose
— 88 per cent of those aged 65 to 69 have had at least one dose
— 80 per cent of those aged 60 to 64 have had at least one dose
— 64 per cent of those aged 55 to 59 have had at least one dose
— vaccine clinics have been held in 16 different day programs across the province with more than 2,600 adults with disabilities getting their first dose
— 13 First Nations communities are running clinics for First Nations people and the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre has been running clinics for Indigenous people who live in Halifax Regional Municipality
— six African Nova Scotian clinics in five locations across the province have administered vaccine to members of those communities, in partnership with the Health Association of African Canadians and the Association of Black Social Workers
— all shelters in Halifax Regional Municipality have administered second doses

Quotes:
“Today I had the pleasure of receiving my COVID-19 vaccine in Cape Breton. From booking the appointment to getting the vaccine, the process was quick, simple and efficient. I want to encourage all Nova Scotians to do the same when they become eligible. Thank you to the staff and volunteers across the province who are helping Nova Scotians get vaccinated.”
     – Derek Mombourquette, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

Quick Facts:
— people 40 and older can book for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines
— the first drive-thru vaccination clinic launched at the Dartmouth General Hospital in Dartmouth on May 10
— As of May 12, Nova Scotia has paused the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine

Additional Resources:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccine: https://www.novascotia.ca/coronavirus/vaccine

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Book your vaccination appointment: https://www.novascotia.ca/vaccination

Rural Transportation Association: https://ruralrides.ca/

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