Immunization is not just for kids. The vaccines you need may depend on your age, health condition, occupation, travel habits, environment, and lifestyle. Sometimes a booster is needed to stay protected. Not all vaccines are “publicly funded”, meaning it is covered if you have an Ontario Health Card. Talk to your healthcare provider. Doses may vary depending on the vaccine and your medical history.
Young Adult
For young adults up to 27 years of age, consider the following:
Ensure two doses of MMR were received as a child, and if not, gets two doses as an adult
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, one dose as an adult, then
Diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years
Human papillomavirus vaccine, check with your doctor to see if you are eligible for the free three-dose series
Influenza vaccine every year (ideally in November / December)
See Occupation, Lifestyle and Travel for more vaccines
Planning a Pregnancy
Hepatitis B vaccine
Prevents transmission of infection to the baby
Chronic carriers can speak with their doctor on how to prevent transmission to their babies
If you grew up in Ontario, you may have received the vaccine series in Grade 7/8 (check your immunization card)
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Prevents infection and reduces incidence of cervical abnormalities, cancer and genital warts
Prevents transmission of HPV warts and respiratory papillomatosis to babies
MMR – measles, mumps, rubella (live vaccine*)
Protects against congenital rubella syndrome
Infection in early pregnancy can cause miscarriage
Two doses are needed for full protection
Varicella – chickenpox (live vaccine*)
Not needed if have had chickenpox infection or vaccination before pregnancy
Infection in early pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects
Infection can also cause serious complications for the pregnant woman, such as pneumonia
*As a general rule, live vaccines should not be given during pregnancy. Women should not try for pregnancy for four weeks after receiving a live vaccine.
During Pregnancy
Influenza vaccine (TIV)
Protects the mother and baby from flu-related complications during flu season (from October to April)
Vaccinating the family will protect newborns
Infants under six months of age are too young to get the vaccine
Tdap – tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine
Vaccination in each pregnancy, preferably at 27 to 32 weeks to protect babies under six months, when they are at highest risk of getting pertussis
Vaccinating the family will also protect babies from pertussis infection
Up-to-date tetanus will protect against neonatal tetanus
Pregnant women at higher risk of infections due to occupation or travel should consider additional vaccines such as hepatitis A, polio.
*As a general rule, live vaccines should not be given during pregnancy.
50 Years +
For adults 50 years and over:
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccine (only if you did not already receive a dose as an adult), then
Diphtheria, tetanus boosters every 10 years
Influenza every year (November / December)
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is not publicly funded for this age group
Hepatitis A & B for individuals at risk of exposure (especially before travel), not publicly funded
65 Years +
For adults 65 years and over; and persons with specific medical conditions:
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis vaccine (only if you did not already receive a dose as an adult), then
Diphtheria, tetanus boosters every 10 years
Influenza every year (November / December)
Hepatitis A & B for individuals at risk of exposure (especially before travel), not publicly funded
Pneumococcal Conjugate-13, ideally given first, then followed by Pneu-P-23 eight weeks later
Pneumococcal Vaccine (Pneu-P-23)
Shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) is publicly funded for adults 65 to 70 years old.
Occupation
For healthcare providers; child care providers and military personnel, consider the following:
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine – one dose in adulthood, then
Diphtheria and tetanus vaccine booster every 10 years
Hepatitis A / B combination vaccine (two to three dose series), not publicly funded
Varicella (chickenpox) – two doses; or proof of immunity via history of chickenpox or blood test
Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugate vaccine, may not be publicly funded
Influenza vaccine every year (ideally in November / December)
Medical / Lifestyle
For persons with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, talk with your healthcare provider. Vaccines needed may depend on your health history and age:
Haemophilus influenzae B vaccine
Hepatitis A and B vaccine
Influenza vaccine every year, ideally November / December
Meningococcal vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccine, two types: Pneu-P-23 and Pneu-C-13
Human papillomavirus vaccine is publicly funded for MSM, up to 26 years old. Talk to your doctor.
Travel
For travellers, please visit a travel health clinic at least 4 weeks before your travel date. Vaccines needed depends on the purpose of travel, length of travel and destinations. Most vaccines required for travel are not publicly funded.
Hepatitis A and B vaccine
Meningococcal Quadrivalent Conjugate vaccine (to sub-Saharan African and to Hajj in Saudi Arabia)
Cholera (to endemic areas)
Traveller’s diarrhea (especially if you have a chronic illness or weakened immune system)
Japanese Encephalitis vaccine (to endemic areas during transmission season)
Polio vaccine (to areas where poliovirus is known)
Monark Medical