WHAT VACCINES DO YOU NEED?

Vaccines can help protect you, your loved ones, and your community from a number of diseases. Most of us are familiar with childhood vaccinations, but did you know that adults may need vaccinations, too?

As we get older, the protection we’ve gotten from our vaccinations may decrease, and some vaccines require booster shots to remain effective. Our immune systems become weaker as we age, which can make us more likely to catch a vaccine-preventable disease. Some people may have missed one or more vaccines when they were children. All of these factors contribute to the need for keeping your vaccinations up to date.

Based on your immunization history, your pharmacist and family doctor can identify any vaccines you may need to ensure your continued health. Among the issues they will discuss with you are:

• What vaccines you had as a child
• The diseases you have had during your life
• Your current age
• Any medical conditions you have
• If your lifestyle or the type of work you do puts you at risk of any diseases
• Whether you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• If you plan to travel outside Canada

Based on your vaccination record and the other information you have provided, your pharmacist can develop a personalized vaccination schedule for you. Your pharmacist can even administer some of the vaccines right in the pharmacy, but others may require prescriptions from your doctor or a visit to a local public health unit. In some cases, your pharmacist can bundle vaccines together during a single visit. Consider bundling your vaccines for this upcoming flu season when you receive your flu shot.

Vaccination Checklist

The chart below provides a guide to the vaccines generally recommended for adults. Some vaccines are covered by your provincial health plan or through your employer’s private health benefits plan. See your pharmacist and employer benefits department for more information.

Download Chart