Adult Immunizations… Yep, that\’s a thing!

Vaccination

Not just for kids, let\’s get you up to speed on some important vaccinations for adults! Here are 6 adult vaccinations you should be aware of, and I\’ll give you some general info on the condition and the vaccination so you are even more prepared heading into your next primary care appointment.

Want the quick version? Skip down to the infographic at the bottom, print it and save it to review with your medical professional at your next visit.

1. Tetanus and Diptheria

What? One booster dose every 10 years for all adults, and one dose at 27-32 weeks of EACH pregnancy.
Why? 
Tetanus (lockjaw) is caused by a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is widely distributed in the soil worldwide. It is rare in Canada, however if it occurs, it will progress with complications and even death.

2. Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

What? 1 booster dose as an adult, and 1 dose with EACH pregnancy
Why?Volume 44-9, September 6, 2018: Pertussis (whooping cough) still a danger to infants: infographic

3. Pneumonoccus

What? 1 dose age 65+ or earlier if certain chronic diseases are present
Why?
Invasive pneumoccoccal disease can cause pneumonia, bacteremia (where the bacterial infection enters the bloodstream) and meningitis (infection of the meninges in the brain). Pneumococcal polysaccharide 23-valent (Pneu-P-23) vaccine efficacy against invasive pneumococcal disease is estimated to be 50% to 80% among the elderly and in high-risk groups. (Source: Pneumococcal Vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide)

4. Hepatitis A and B

What? Vaccination against Hepatitis B is part of Ontario\’s School Vaccination program, but for travel/health/occupational reasons the combined Hepatitis A/B vaccine may be given.

Why?
In Canada, most acute cases of hepatitis B (HB) occur in un-immunized household contacts of HB carriers and people 25 years of age and older who acquire infection through unprotected sexual activity, sharing injection drug equipment, or procedures with percutaneous exposure (needlestick).
Hepatitis A vaccination is given to most travellers before travel to areas of risk. Hepatitis A is spread by eating food or water (and ice) contaminated with the virus. For more info click HERE.

5. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

What?Adults over 50 and immunocompromised individuals can receive vaccination for Herpes Zoster with either of two vaccinations, depending on preference and cost. 
Why? 
Chicken pox (varicella zoster) is the primary infection, which is reactivated and causes herpes zoster (shingles). Shingles will affect 1 in 3 Canadians in their lifetime, causing a painful, crusty blistery rash. This is typically not dangerous to your health (unless located on/around the eye or if illness becomes severe) but the painful syndrome called post-herpetic neuralgia. 

6. HPV (human papilloma virus)

What? vaccination with HPV vaccine protects against up to 9 strains of the HPV virus, which causes genital warts, cervical cancer, penile, and certain throat cancers. 
Ontario students male and female in grade 7 are vaccinated as part of the provincial program, but men and women up to age 26 (and women up to age 45) who are not previously vaccinated should ask about this.
Why?
Many men and women are asymptomatic of their infection with the virus. The most up-to-date vaccine provides protection against 7 HPV types associated with 90% of cervical cancers (Source HPV- Sex & U)
More info HERE.

Footnotes:

Immunocompromised: this means your immune system is low- specifically in medicine we are often referring to patients who take immunosuppressing medications like higher doses of prednisone, methotrexate, chemotherapy drugs, drugs for certain auto-immune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis, anti-rejection drugs after a transplant. 

I take every effort to make sure the information is up to date and accurate. As with all health information, things are constantly changing, and please consult your own medical team before making decisions. If you think some information here is missing or inaccurate, please let me know in the comments.

References:

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