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Recommended adult immunizations

Tetanus/diphtheria (Td): If you’ve never been immunized against tetanus and diphtheria, or you’re not sure, get the Td vaccine. You’ll need a booster dose every 10 years. This vaccine is also given to people with serious wounds if they haven’t received a booster within the past five years.

Influenza (flu): The flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Everyone six months or older should get a flu shot every fall, especially those at high risk of complications. People age 65 or older, people with health conditions, people living in long-term care facilities, children under age five, pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy, and Indigenous peoples. Caregivers, family members and others who could infect someone at high risk should also get a flu shot.

Pneumococcal – 2 different vaccines are recommended: Pneumococcus bacteria can cause serious, potentially fatal, infections including meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis (blood infections). Health Canada recommends immunization for people over age 65 and those with specific medical conditions. Smokers should be immunized for pneumonia. There are two vaccines; pneumococcal conjugate (PCV) and pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV). PCV is a user pay vaccine and PPV is a publicly funded vaccine

Herpes zoster (shingles): Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the virus (varicella zoster) that causes chickenpox. Shingles is more common in adults over 50 and people who are immunocompromised. Health Canada recommends the shingles vaccine for people 50 and over. Shingrix® is a two dose vaccine. Some extended health care plans cover the cost of this important vaccine.