Don’t wait, vaccinate: an adult’s guide

When we’re young there are a number of vaccines we receive to protect ourselves and others from many different diseases. But this shouldn’t end as we get older!

Vaccination is a life-long essential tool to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community. In the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives, it can be easy to forget to stay up-to-date with vaccinations, but it is important to stay vigilant with vaccine records as we get older.

We spoke with Osler’s Infection Control and Infectious Diseases Specialists Dr. Sergio Borgia and Dr. Mahin Baqi about why we vaccinate, and which vaccines are important to stay on top of as adults.

What are vaccines and how do they work?

Vaccination exposes our bodies to key components of bacteria or viruses (called antigens) in a safe way so that our immune system can develop an immune response. Vaccines train our bodies to create antibodies, which are proteins that help fight off infections.

Why is vaccination important?

Over the past 50 years, vaccination has saved many lives in Canada and around the world. By getting vaccinated, you can protect yourself and also avoid spreading preventable diseases to other people in your community. Help protect yourself and the people you love by staying up to date on recommended vaccinations.

While many of us get our vaccinations as children, the protection of some vaccines can fade over time and we may need additional protection. Routine vaccinations are recommended on a schedule, based on age. We’ve created a handy guide by age, to help safeguard you and your loved ones:

Adults 19-26 years old

• Yearly seasonal flu (influenza) vaccination
• COVID-19 vaccination
• Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), every 10 years

Adults 50 years or older

As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. This is why, in addition to seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine and Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), you should also consider receiving the following:

• Shingles vaccine, which protects against shingles and complications from the disease
• Pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia

Remember to always talk with your healthcare provider to find out which vaccines are recommended for you based on your specific health status, age, and lifestyle.

Looking for more information? Visit the Government of Canada’s website.