Vaccines are not just for babies and children. Learn why vaccination is important for adults too.

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Why vaccination is important for adults

Vaccination is not just for children. Vaccines are safe and protect you and those around you from vaccine-preventable diseases. As we get older, the protection we had from previous vaccination can decrease for some diseases. Getting another dose (called a booster) can increase our immunity to provide the best protection. Some adults may have missed one or more of their vaccines when they were a child. They may need to catch up and get these vaccines now. There are also diseases that are more common in adults, even healthy adults. This is why additional vaccines are needed as we get older. By keeping up to date with vaccines, adults can prevent the spread of disease to those who may be more likely to contract them. These include: babies

young children

pregnant women

people with certain medical conditions such as those who have weakened immunity

This is known as community immunity or herd immunity. Many Canadian adults are not up to date with their vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider to see what you need to do to be fully protected.

Vaccines for adults

The type and number of vaccines an adult needs should be discussed with a healthcare provider. To determine if a vaccine is needed, a healthcare provider may ask: what vaccines you had as a child

what diseases you may have had as a child or an adult

your current age

if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant

if you have certain medical conditions

if you have certain risks resulting from your lifestyle or type of work

if you are travelling Vaccine-preventable diseases for which an adult may need a vaccine include: diphtheria

hepatitis A

hepatitis B

herpes zoster (shingles)

human papillomavirus (HPV)

influenza

measles

mumps

meningococcal

pertussis (whooping cough)

pneumococcal

polio

rubella

tetanus

varicella (chicken pox)

Vaccines for women who could become pregnant Vaccination is important for all women of reproductive age, whether you are planning a pregnancy or not. During pregnancy, your immune system changes and this can put you at risk for some serious infectious diseases and complications. Your baby can also be affected by these infections which can result in birth defects, premature birth, miscarriage (losing a baby before birth) or even death. Since unplanned pregnancies are common, it is important to keep your vaccinations up to date in case you become pregnant. Being up to date with your vaccinations will help protect you and your baby from certain infections that could cause serious complications. Talk to your healthcare provider about your vaccination status. Learn more about Vaccination and Pregnancy.

Vaccines for adults 60 years of age and older

As we get older, our immune system can get weaker. This puts us at a greater risk for certain diseases, including influenza. The flu is more likely to cause severe illness and even death in older adults. Other vaccine-preventable diseases such as herpes zoster (shingles) and pneumococcal disease are more common with age. It is also important to make sure routine vaccines are up to date for diseases such as: diphtheria

tetanus

pertussis

Vaccines for adult travellers

Travelling to other countries can increase your risk for certain diseases. Discuss your travel plans with your healthcare provider or a travel clinic as far ahead of departure as possible.

Diseases common in other parts of the world that may be prevented by vaccination include: cholera

hepatitis A

hepatitis B

Japanese encephalitis

meningococcal

rabies

tick-borne encephalitis

typhoid

yellow fever

Vaccine schedule for adults

It is recommended that adults get vaccinated for common diseases at certain stages of their life.

Recommended vaccines for all healthy adults

The following vaccines are recommended:

diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years herpes zoster (shingles) 1 dose at 60+ years (may be given between 50 and 59 years) influenza (flu) every year pertussis (whooping cough) 1 dose as an adult and during each pregnancy pneumococcal 1 dose at 65+ years

Other vaccines you may need

You may also need to be vaccinated for:

hepatitis A Footnote * 1 dose (multiple doses may be required) hepatitis B Footnote * 1 dose (multiple doses may be required) human papillomavirus (HPV) Footnote * 1 dose at 26 years or younger measles, mumps and rubella Footnote * 1 dose meningococcal (meningitis) 1 dose at 24 years or younger varicella (chicken pox) Footnote * 1 dose travel vaccines Footnote * varies