Due to disruptions caused by the pandemic, many adults across the region need to catch up on routine immunizations, according to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.
This week, April 24 to 30, marks National Immunization Awareness Week in Canada, the health unit says.
This year’s theme is “catch up with confidence.”
The theme is a reminder that it is vital for adults to get caught up with the routine, publicly funded vaccines they need to stay healthy, the health unit said in a news release.
“The protection offered by some immunizations only lasts for a certain amount of time, so it is important to receive booster doses in adulthood to keep yourself and those around you safe from vaccine preventable diseases like tetanus and pertussis,” said Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s associate medical officer of health Dr. Colin Lee.
“A person may also need other vaccines like shingles at different life stages based on their age, health conditions, job, lifestyle, or travel habits," he added.
New babies are vulnerable to infections, so it's important that parents, grandparents and others are fully vaccinated against potentially dangerous diseases.
Make sure your Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is up to date, the health unit says – you need a booster if you haven't had one in the past 10 years, as well as during each pregnancy.
Adults when they turn 65 are also eligible to receive pneumococcal vaccine to prevent certain types of pneumonia. For those between 65 and 70 who have never received the shingles vaccine, publicly funded shingles vaccines are available.
You can learn more about what other vaccines that may be recommended for you by talking to your healthcare professional, the health unit notes.
If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you can access publicly funded vaccines through the health unit.
For more information, visit smdhu.org or call Health Connection weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
