Immunization

Give yourself a boost!

Keeping your immunizations up to date is key to staying healthy and preventing the spread of disease. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others who are vulnerable to getting sick, especially babies and the elderly. Some vaccines given in childhood require booster shots later on, while others like the flu shot are given annually.

Adult Immunizations

Vaccines are important for adults too! Vaccines are safe and effective against several illnesses. For more information about adult immunization, check out this page from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

There are many reasons why vaccines are recommended for adults:

The protection we have from previous vaccinations can decrease for some diseases as we get older. Getting another dose (a booster) of the vaccine can strengthen your immune system and increase your protection against these diseases.
There are illnesses that are more common in older adults for which vaccines are available.
Some adults may have missed one or more vaccinations as a child and they need to get caught up.
Adults may want to prevent the spread of disease to those who cannot be immunized. This may include babies, young children or grandchildren, pregnant women or people with medical conditions who have weaker immune systems.
A list of vaccines that are recommended for adults is available at https://www.ontario.ca/page/vaccines-adults .
Vaccines in Ontario’s publicly funded immunization schedule are provided free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Important Immunizations for Older Adults

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule for Ontario will help you learn more about vaccines and Ontario’s free immunization program. When you are vaccinated you actually build up your immune system, making you stronger and more resistant to disease as you grow. Like eating well and exercise, getting immunized is a foundation for a healthy life. Immunization is both a safe and necessary part of encouraging the health of you and your family. And always remember to talk to your health care provider or contact Public Health for more information.

For more information you can talk to a health care provider or call the health unit and speak with a vaccine preventable disease nurse.