Adult Vaccines & Immunizations

Immunizations are not just for kids!

At any age, vaccination provides the longest-lasting and most effective protection against disease. While childhood immunizations play a vital role, they do not provide lifelong immunity against certain diseases such as tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria.

As adults, we may require “helper shots” to boost our immunity against certain diseases, including Tetanus. Adults who were not fully immunized during childhood may be at risk of infection and can potentially transmit these diseases to others. For example, if an adult contracts measles, mumps or pertussis (whooping cough) they can pass it to infants who have not yet received their full immunizations. There are also many new vaccines are only approved for adults, such as the Shingles vaccine.

Not all vaccines are publicly funded, which means some vaccines need to be purchased.  If you wish to receive a recommended vaccine that is not publicly funded, you may need to request a prescription from your primary health care provider and purchase the vaccine at a pharmacy.  Alternatively, you can inquire with your pharmacist about the possibility of receiving immunization services directly at the pharmacy. Recommended vaccines may vary based on your health, occupation, or travel destinations. 

Recommended Adult Vaccines:  

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended each fall season.

Pertussis vaccination:    

  • All adults require at least one dose of Pertussis in adulthood (18 years of age and older).
  • This vaccine is given in combination with Tetanus and Diphtheria.  
  • If you are unsure of when your last Tetanus vaccine was, contact your health care provider or local health unit office to determine if you need vaccination.  

Pertussis vaccination in Pregnancy:    

  • The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends vaccinating all pregnant women with Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) vaccine.
  • By getting vaccinated with Tdap during pregnancy, antibodies are transferred to the baby, and offers direct protection against pertussis (commonly known as whooping cough).
  • Tdap should be offered during every pregnancy, regardless of whether you have received it before or how much time has passed since your last pregnancy. Vaccination is recommended between 27-32 weeks gestation; although, it may be provided between 13 weeks and delivery.

Pneumococcal vaccine:

  • It is recommended that all adults 65 years of age and older receive a vaccine that fights against pneumonias.  
  • This vaccine is free and is available through your primary care provider or local health unit office (NEPH offices).

Shingles vaccine:      

  • All adults between 65-70 years of age are eligible to receive the Shingles vaccine (at no cost).
  • Call your local public health unit office to determine if you are eligible (NEPH offices).
  • For non-eligible individuals, the vaccine is available, at a cost, from your local pharmacy or health unit office.

Travel Vaccines:  

  • If you will be travelling, consult with your primary care provider or pharmacist for travel vaccine recommendations or visit Trip Prep (Travel.gc.ca). 

Mpox vaccine:    

  • Mpox vaccine is available for individuals who meet eligibility criteria. Contact your local health unit office to determine if you are eligible.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):

Ontario’s RSV vaccination program, launched in 2023, continues to expand for high-risk adults 60 and older, including:

  • all individuals aged 75 years and older
  • individuals 60 to 74 years of age who are also:
    • residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, or retirement homes, including similar settings (e.g., co-located facilities).
    • patients in hospital receiving alternate level of care (ALC), including similar settings (for example, complex continuing care, hospital transitional programs)
    • patients with glomerulonephritis (GN) who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
    • patients receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
    • recipients of solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplants
    • individuals experiencing homelessness
    • individuals who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis
    • If you meet the above criteria, reach out to your local public health unit office to schedule an appointment (NEPH offices).

If you run into any problems or have questions, please call the Northeastern Public Health at 1–877–442–1212 or send us an email at [email protected].