Adult and Work Immunizations
Immunizations are not just for babies and children. Receiving regular immunizations and boosters in adulthood helps to protect you, family, friends, and other community members.
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Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis
- Protection against tetanus and diphtheria (Td) is recommended for adults every 10 years, and one dose of pertussis (i.e., whooping cough) containing vaccine is needed after age 18. Since pertussis is given in a combination vaccine along with tetanus and diphtheria (Tdap), this vaccine can be given in lieu of one of the Td boosters. These vaccines are free and are available from your health care provider or at KFL&A Public Health Immunization Clinics.
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Pneumococcal disease
- Protection against pneumococcal disease is recommended for adults aged 65 and older. This vaccine is free and is available from your health care provider or at KFL&A Public Health Immunization Clinics.
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Influenza (flu)
- Immunization against the flu is recommended once a year, particularly for those at high-risk, or those who spend time with high-risk individuals. A free flu vaccine is available every fall from your health care provider, various pharmacies, and at the KFL&A Public Health Flu Clinics.
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Shingles (Zostavax®) immunization
- The shingles vaccine is available for adults 60 years of age and older to help prevent herpes zoster (shingles) and post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain). While this vaccine can be used for adults 50 to 59 years old, the duration of protection is unknown beyond seven years. Effective September 15, 2016, Ontario has introduced the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine for individuals 65 to 70 years of age, as part of Ontario's publicly funded immunization program. Those outside of this age range will be required to receive the vaccine by prescription at their health care provider. To find out more, speak with your health care provider.
Unimmunized adults |
| Adults who were not immunized in childhood, or who are missing immunizations, may receive vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Depending on your age, you may also be eligible to receive immunization against meningococcal disease. To find out more, speak with your health care provider or call KFL&A Public Health. |
Immunizations while planning a pregnancy |
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Visit your health care provider to discuss immunizations and have your immunization record reviewed. Your health care provider can order blood tests that can tell you if you have protection from serious disease (e.g., rubella) or if you need an immunization before you are pregnant. Some immunizations are not recommended for use shortly before or during pregnancy.
Pregnancy should be avoided for at least 28 days after receiving a live vaccine (e.g., measles, mumps, rubella, varicella). Discuss with your health care provider if you have further questions. Inactivated vaccines are typically safe for use in pregnancy. Recommended immunizations include:
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Immunizations for purchase |
| KFL&A Public Health does not provide non-publicly funded (paid) vaccines. Please contact your health care provider to find out where you can get the shingles vaccine if you do not qualify for the publicly funded vaccine. |
High-risk conditions |
| Certain health conditions and situations can place people at a greater risk for disease. It may be recommended that these individuals receive additional immunizations to help protect their health. To find out more, speak with your health care provider or call KFL&A Public Health. |
Workplace immunization forms |
| Certain workplaces place individuals at a higher risk of contracting and spreading vaccine-preventable disease. For this reason, employers may request proof of certain immunizations before you can work.
These application forms are typically signed by a health care provider after reviewing your immunization record. Please contact your workplace or health care provider to have these forms completed. KFL&A Public Health does not order blood titres or TB skin tests, also known as a Mantoux test. Blood titres help determine whether or not you are immune to a certain illness (either through immunization or having had the disease previously) and can be obtained only through your health care provider or a walk-in clinic along with TB skin tests. |