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.
The health unit no longer offers travel consultations, travel vaccines or TB skin tests. If you will be travelling, consult with your primary care provider or pharmacist for travel vaccine recommendations or visit the Public Health Agency of Canada travel website. https://travel.gc.ca/
For more information about the vaccines you may need, contact us, your health care provider or visit the Health Canada website.
If you run into any problems or have questions, please call the Porcupine Health Unit at 1-800-461-1818 or send us an email at PHU.VPD@porcupinehu.on.ca
Resources
Immunization Records (ICON)
How to obtain a copy of your immunization record.
Influenza and the Flu Vaccine
It’s time to get your flu shot. Book online or call us to pick the time that works for you!
Information about the Flu and the Flu Vaccine
Some of the most commonly asked questions about influenza and the influenza vaccine.
Shingles and the Shingles Vaccine
Don't let the pain of shingles slow you down. Protect yourself with the shingles vaccine.