Adult Vaccines & Immunizations
Immunizations are not just for kids!
At any age, vaccination provides the longest-lasting, most effective protection against disease. Childhood immunization does not provide lifelong immunity against some diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria.
As adults, we may require helper shots to boost our immunity against certain diseases, like Tetanus. Adults who were not adequately immunized as children may be at risk of infection and can also infect others. For example, adults who contract measles, mumps or pertussis (whooping cough) can infect infants who may not yet be fully immunized. Many new vaccines are only for adults, like the shingles vaccine.
New: Pertussis vaccination in Pregnancy
- The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) now recommends vaccinating with Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) vaccine. This is to allow for optimal transfer of antibodies and direct protection of your baby against pertussis.
- Tdap vaccine should be offered in each pregnancy, irrespective of previous immunization history or the interval between pregnancies.
- Vaccination should ideally be provided between 27-32 weeks gestation; however it may be provided from 13 weeks up to the time of delivery.
Recommended vaccines may vary based on your health, occupation or travel destination.
Not all vaccines are publicly funded, meaning they need to be purchased. If you want a recommended vaccine that is not publicly funded, you may need to get a prescription from your physician and purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy, or ask your pharmacist if you can be immunized in the pharmacy.
For more information about the vaccines you may need, contact us, your health care provider or visit the Health Canada website.
Resources
Immunization Records and Yellow Cards
How to obtain a copy of your immunization record.
Influenza
Please call your local Porcupine Health Unit office to book your appointment for the flu vaccine.
Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine
Don't let the pain of shingles slow you down. Protect yourself with the free shingles vaccine. If you're between 65 and 70 years old, you can protect yourself with a free vaccine, saving you approximately $170.
Travel Clinic
Traveling outside of Canada? You may require immunizations depending on your destination, the length of your stay, and whether or not your routine immunizations are up-to-date. The Porcupine Health Unit's Travel Clinic provides immunizations at a cost to help you stay healthy while traveling.