Vaccines are not just for children. Immunity from childhood immunizations wanes over time, and advancing age increases vulnerability to serious infectious diseases like shingles and pneumococcal pneumonia. Reviewing your adult vaccine record is a core preventive health milestone.
Key Vaccines for Canadian Adults
1. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Td / Tdap)
Adults require a booster dose of tetanus and diphtheria (Td) toxoid every 10 years. In addition, every adult should receive at least one dose of the Tdap vaccine (which includes whooping cough protection), particularly those who have contact with newborn infants. If you sustain a deep or dirty wound, a booster is recommended if more than 5 years have elapsed since your last dose.
2. Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox) reactivates in nerve tissues, causing a painful, blistering dermatomal rash and potentially long-lasting neuropathic pain (postherpetic neuralgia). The recombinant zoster vaccine (two doses, 2 to 6 months apart) is strongly recommended for all adults aged 50 and older, regardless of whether you recall having chickenpox.
3. Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal bacteria cause severe pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis. NACI recommends pneumococcal conjugate vaccination for adults aged 65 and older, as well as adults aged 18 to 64 with certain medical risk factors (diabetes, chronic lung disease, heart failure, or immunocompromise).
💉 Review Your Immunization Records
Bring your historical vaccination record to your next appointment at Medi Plus Clinic. Our family physicians will review your eligibility under provincial programs and private coverage plans. For acute vaccine adverse event questions, call Health Link at 811. For severe allergic reactions, call 911 or visit Peter Lougheed Centre immediately.
