At any age, vaccination provides the longest-lasting and most effective protection against disease. While childhood immunizations play a vital role, they do not provide lifelong immunity against certain diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria.
As adults, we may require “helper shots” to boost our immunity against certain diseases, including Tetanus. Adults who were not fully immunized during childhood may be at risk of infection and can potentially transmit these diseases to others. For example, if an adult contracts measles, mumps or pertussis (whooping cough) they can pass it to infants who have not yet received their full immunizations. There are also many new vaccines are only approved for adults, such as the Shingles vaccine.
Not all vaccines are publicly funded, which means some vaccines need to be purchased. If you wish to receive a recommended vaccine that is not publicly funded, you may need to request a prescription from your primary health care provider and purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy. Alternatively, you can inquire with your pharmacist about the possibility of receiving immunization services directly at the pharmacy. Recommended vaccines may vary based on your health, occupation, or travel destinations.
Flu vaccines are recommended each fall season.
Pertussis vaccination:
Pertussis vaccination in Pregnancy:
Shingles vaccine:
Pneumococcal vaccine
COVID-19:
Travel Vaccines:
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
How to obtain a copy of your immunization record.
Some of the most commonly asked questions about influenza and the influenza vaccine.
Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne, viral infection, found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and Central and South America.