Routine vaccinations recommended for adults:
Adults are busy, and tend to forget their immunizations. To help you remember, consider revisiting your immunization records with each mid-decade birthday, for example, at 25, 35, 45 etc. Currently, only the Tetanus and diphtheria combination vaccines require a booster in adulthood, while influenza vaccine needs to be updated every year because the influenza strains change each year.
Adult vaccinations and boosters may or may not incur a fee. Check with your health care coverage plan or ask your physician.
Recommended adult vaccine #1: Td; Tdap
What are they for? Tetanus and diphtheria; Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (whooping cough)
If you have no record or an unclear history:
- Receive your first dose as soon as possible
- Second dose is 4 to 8 weeks later
- Third dose - Tdap to protect against pertussis - 6 to 12 months later.
Recommended adult vaccine #2: Influenza
What is it for? The flu virus. This vaccine is intended for adults over 65, adults under 65 at risk of influenza complications, or those wishing to be protected
Booster schedule: Every autumn
Recommended adult vaccine #3: MMR
What is it for? Measles, mumps and rubella: For high-risk individuals or those not immunized in childhood, between the ages of 2 to 55 years.
If you have no record or an unclear history: Generally 1 dose of MMR is sufficient. A second dose may be recommended for those at higher risk.
Booster schedule: Not required
**MMR is fully funded in Newfoundland & Labrador in the event of an outbreak.
Recommended adult vaccine #4: Varicella
What is it for? The Chicken Pox, recommended for susceptible adults
If you need this vaccine: Doses one and two are at least 4 weeks apart
Booster schedule: Not recommended
There are more vaccines recommended for adults, depending on risk resulting from occupation, foreign travel, underlying illness, lifestyle and age. Find out more from the Public Health Agency of Canada at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.
Sources and more information:
Recommended immunization of adults
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/p03-02-eng.php
Publicly funded immunization programs in Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/im/ptimprog-progimpt/table-1-eng.php
and
http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/immunization/VaccinationChild.htm#table1
Recommended Immunization Schedule - Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/p03-01-eng.php
Vaccinations explained by the Canadian Pediatric Society
http://www.cps.ca/English/Publications/Bookstore/GettingYourShots.htm
Canadian Immunization Guide - 7th Edition
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/index-eng.php
