Latest news with #RobertStrang
Global News
20-05-2025
- Health
- Global News
N.S. to cover cost of shingles vaccine for residents 65 and older starting end of May
The Nova Scotia government will begin covering the cost of the shingles vaccine as of May 28 for residents aged 65 and older. Premier Tim Houston says residents can start booking appointments today for the shots, fulfilling a promise he made during the campaign leading up to his Nov. 26 re-election. The premier says he's hopeful the vaccination program projected to cost $26 million in its first year will help reduce the painful symptoms of the illness in older Nova Scotians. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Health Department says the cost of two doses of vaccine is about $400 — too high for some seniors who want to receive them. Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer, says the new program covers both doses, including a booster two to six months after the first shot. Story continues below advertisement Nearly one in three Canadians will be affected by shingles, a viral infection that can cause painful, burning skin rashes and nerve pain. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
20-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
N.S. to cover cost of shingles vaccine for residents 65 and older starting end of May
The Nova Scotia government will begin covering the cost of the shingles vaccine as of May 28 for residents aged 65 and older. Premier Tim Houston says residents can start booking appointments today for the shots, fulfilling a promise he made during the campaign leading up to his Nov. 26 re-election. The premier says he's hopeful the vaccination program projected to cost $26 million in its first year will help reduce the painful symptoms of the illness in older Nova Scotians. The Health Department says the cost of two doses of vaccine is about $400 — too high for some seniors who want to receive them. Dr. Robert Strang, the province's chief medical officer, says the new program covers both doses, including a booster two to six months after the first shot. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Nearly one in three Canadians will be affected by shingles, a viral infection that can cause painful, burning skin rashes and nerve pain. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 20, 2025.
Global News
06-05-2025
- Health
- Global News
Nova Scotia resident becomes province's 1st measles case in 2 years after U.S. visit
Nova Scotia has confirmed a case of measles in the Halifax Regional Municipality — the first case in the province since 2023. According to chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang, the Nova Scotian had recently travelled to the United States. Public health released a list of possible exposure locations in downtown Halifax, including a hotel, a bar and the Halifax Infirmary ER. 'This person, the length of time of that exposure in the (ER) was thankfully very short given all the steps we've taken for recognition and isolation,' Strang said. 'I want to emphasize … for Nova Scotians not to be alarmed by this. We fully expect this. Our best defence against measles is vaccination.' Strang said the person in this case had previously been immunized with one dose of the vaccine, but that people generally need two doses to be fully vaccinated. Story continues below advertisement Measles is highly contagious and can spread when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can also linger for hours in the air in a room even after an infected person has left. Strang said that although the disease is extremely contagious, previous cases — an infant in 2023 and two cases in 2017 — didn't result in wide spread. He attributes this to the province's vaccination rate. 'Even though our vaccine rate isn't where it should be, we still have the majority of the people who would have been exposed … immune because of vaccination,' he said. 'So even our current vaccine rates are protecting us to some extent, but we need to make sure people are aware.' Measles cases have been surging in parts of Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Canada's outbreak began last October after a travel-related case in New Brunswick sparked outbreaks there and in Ontario. New Brunswick declared its outbreak over in January, but the virus is still spreading elsewhere in Canada. 12:00 Measles jumps borders: Outbreaks in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The outbreaks prompted Nova Scotia to hold measles vaccination clinics to inoculate those who may be missing a dose or were unsure of their vaccination status. Story continues below advertisement Over the last month, more than 2,000 people have received the vaccine in these clinics. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Strang said in addition to vaccination, the province is preparing the health-care system by informing providers on recognizing the signs of measles. 'Measles is, unfortunately, becoming more common, but many health-care providers haven't seen measles here. So we're alerting people,' he said. 'We've set up expedited testing pathways within the health system making sure emergency departments are recognizing early and then putting those people in isolation, which is exactly what happened on Sunday (at the ER).' Exposure locations Public health says the person is recovering at home, and the department is directly notifying people who are known to have 'close' contact with the case. 'This will allow us to ensure up-to-date immunization and identify further cases as quickly as possible,' Nova Scotia Health said in a release. People who were at the following locations in Halifax on the specified dates and times should watch for symptoms: Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown, Lobby (5120 Salter St.) on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Banh Mi A & B (6172 Quinpool Rd.) on Saturday, April 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Marquee Ballroom/Seahorse Tavern/The Local Restaurant and Bar (2037 Gottingen St.) on Saturday, April 26 from 10:30 p.m. to Sunday, April 27 at 2:30 a.m. Halifax Infirmary Emergency Department (1840 Bell Rd.) on Sunday, May 4 from 8:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. Those who were at the ER during those hours on Sunday who are pregnant, immunocompromised or under the age of 12 months should contact public health immediately at 902-481-1697. These people may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) — a blood product to prevent measles infection. The people who were at the other exposure sites on the April dates are past the date for PEP. Story continues below advertisement Symptoms ca show up between seven and 21 days after exposure. Symptoms of measles include fever, a red blotchy rash, cough, runny nose and white spots on the inside of the mouth and throat. Vaccination Strang stressed that the best protection against measles is vaccination and encouraged Nova Scotians to keep updated on their shots or to get a dose if they were unsure of their vaccination status. In Nova Scotia, people born 1970 to 1995 were offered one dose of measles vaccine as children. He said if they have not had a second dose, they should get one now. Those born in 1996 or later were offered two doses of measles vaccine but should get fully vaccinated now if they missed one or both doses. Public health also recommends that infants six to 11 months of age receive a single dose of measles vaccine if they are travelling outside of Canada. People born in 1969 or earlier are generally considered immune but can consider receiving a single dose of measles vaccine if travelling outside of Canada. Strang said the latest data shows the vaccination rate for children is in the mid-80s. 'For many other vaccines, we'd be very happy with that kind of coverage rate. But there are some gaps that make us more vulnerable, so we have some work to do,' Strang said. Story continues below advertisement 'As we grow our province, have more people coming from around the world to live here, one of the things we are focused on is how do we make sure those children coming here — we get them opportunities to get up to date with a Nova Scotia vaccine schedule.'
CTV News
06-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Nova Scotia's top doctor to provide update on measles in the province
Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, provides an update regarding measles in the province, LIVE here.
CTV News
06-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
LIVE: Dr. Strang provides update on measles in N.S.
Watch Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's chief medical officer of health, provides an update regarding measles in the province, LIVE here.
