Changes to Nova Scotia Health Immunization Policy & Administration Care Directive
Changes to Nova Scotia Health Immunization Policy & Administration Care Directive
The Nova Scotia Health Immunization Policy and NSH/IWK Immunization Administration Care Directive have recently undergone comprehensive reviews by Public Health, Interprofessional Practice and Learning, Policy Office, Pharmacy, Pathology, Laboratory Services and Occupational Health Safety and Wellness. The review has prompted several updates and clarifications, which have been made and further reviewed by interested parties throughout the organization. These changes are minor and will not significantly change immunization practice.
If you are an immunizer, please review the updated policy and adjust your practice accordingly. Review the highlights of the changes here.
Changes to How You Look Up and Change Your Contact Information
As of Oct. 16, Directory Update and Directory Search services will be decommissioned. Contact information will begin to flow from our human resource system (SAP) as our system of record.
What is changing?:
Currently NS Health staff can use the directory search to update their contact information by visiting Nova Scotia Health Intranet and selecting Directory Search, under the Edit My Info tab; and for IWK Health, by visiting the Pulse, quick links tab, under employee resources, Directory Update.
As of October 16, 2024, these services will no longer be available. See the full update here.
Influenza & COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments, Respiratory Virus Testing and COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test Kits Update
~shared on behalf of the Emerging and Re-emerging Infections Network (ERIN)
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccine appointments:
Nova Scotians can now book appointments for COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Nova Scotians can get vaccination from participating family doctors, nurse practitioners, family practice nurses, pharmacies, public health offices and mobile units. Options for booking an appointment include:
- online at NS Vaccine Booking Page - CANImmunize
- through the YOURHealthNS app
- by calling 1-833-797-7772
- by calling their primary care provider
This year family booking is available, which allows someone to book up to six people for a single appointment. More information regarding this announcement can be found HERE.
Respiratory Virus Testing and Rapid Antigen Test Kits:
This fall Nova Scotia Health’s testing strategy for acute viral respiratory infections has changed to ensure those at highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization have access to medication. Criteria for testing can be found at COVID-19 and Flu Testing | Nova Scotia Health (nshealth.ca). To be eligible for COVID-19 treatment assessment Nova Scotians must report their positive rapid test via Report and Support or by calling 1-833-797-777. tested at a testing center, report and support will be completed at time of registration and assessment for therapeutics will be done automatically for those who are found to have COVID-19 once the result is available.
COVID-19 rapid antigen tests remain available for clients accessing NS health clinics and for providing NSHA/IWK healthcare workers access to rapid antigen testing for at-home symptomatic testing.
********New supply is available******
All COVID-19 rapid tests being ordered within NS Health should be ordered through SAP. Supply Chain may limit quantities and substitute between products. Please note that the test kits currently being distributed are Swift Swab (boxes of 2 tests) SAP #266932 (this brand may be substituted for other rapid test brands/products). A memo to be distributed to all ordering team can be found on the ERIN HUB.
If you have questions, regarding these changes, you can reach out to the Emerging and Re-emerging Infections Network at ERINnetwork@nshealth.ca
Physician Retirement Fund Initiative
The government will provide a new retirement benefit to doctors as part of ongoing efforts to expand recruitment and retention initiatives in Nova Scotia.
The support is through annual contributions that doctors put toward their retirement savings. The Province’s contributions will be based on doctors’ years of service, full- or part-time status, and the amount they contribute to their preferred retirement savings option. Learn more here.
System Accountability Framework Poster and Presentation Wins Best Poster at NACIC24!
Nova Scotia Health's System Accountability Framework poster and presentation won Best Poster at the North American Conference on Integrated Care (NACIC24). Huge congratulations to our incredible leaders—Tanya Penney (Senior Executive Director, Emergency Care Priorities), Kate Melvin (Senior Director, Integrated Acute & Episodic Care Network), and Dr. Paige Moorhouse (Senior Director Medical, Integrated Acute & Episodic Care Network)! Most importantly, it’s making a meaningful difference for Nova Scotians. Kate and Tanya are pictured with the award.
The full newsletter is here.