Adult Immunizations

Adults born in 1949 - 1953 can get two doses of the shingles vaccine for free until Dec. 31 (if they've never had a publicly funded shingles vaccine before). Talk to your health care provider or book an appointment at a Public Health vaccination clinic.

Staying active, eating healthy, keeping your vaccines up-to-date and being aware of your changing health needs as you age are all part of a healthy lifestyle.

Did you know that:

  • One in three Canadians will get shingles in their lifetime? For some people, shingles pain lasts after the rash has healed. The skin can be so sensitive, that even the wind or wearing clothes can cause unbearable pain. Yet only 27 per cent of older Canadians have received a shingles vaccine.
  • Ontario adults aged 65 years and older are more likely to be hospitalized if they get invasive pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia? Yet only 37 per cent of Canadian adults get the vaccine.
  • Only 53 per cent of Canadian adults report getting a tetanus vaccine as an adult?

Benefits

  • Avoid unnecessary suffering
  • Stay independent
  • Be able to care for those who depend on you
  • Keep you from missing work
  • Save you money

Video: Tetanus

Video: Get your Pertussis Booster

Checking your vaccination records

If you can't find your old vaccination records, request your records online using Immunization Connect or ask your health care provider.

Getting your vaccines

  • Vaccines for adults

    The RSV vaccine is not offered in Public Health clinics. Learn about RSV vaccine eligibility and how to get the vaccine if you're 60 years of age or older.

    As an adult you should receive the following free vaccines:

    • COVID-19 (everyone six months of age and older are recommended to receive the XBB COVID-19 vaccine this fall as long as it has been six months since they were last vaccinated or infected with COVID-19)
    • Flu shot (every fall)
    • Pneumococcal (at age 65)
    • Shingles (two doses between 65 - 70 years of age)
      • Free for those who have never had a publicly funded shingles vaccine before
      • Adults born in 1949 - 1953 are also eligible for two doses of the shingles vaccine until Dec. 31, 2024
    • Tetanus and diphtheria (every 10 years)
    • Tetanus, diptheria and pertussis (once in adulthood, once in every pregnancy)

    Adults may need booster doses to maintain immunity.

    Vaccinations needed for adults vary from person to person depending on:

    • Medical history
    • What you do for work
    • What your lifestyle is like
    • If you're travelling
    • New vaccines

    Learn more about Mpox vaccine eligibility - only available at Public Health vaccination clinics.

    Talk to your health care provider or contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease program to speak with a public health nurse.

  • Where to get vaccinated

    Use the Province of Ontario's smart search tool to find health services for you and your family.

  • Cost of vaccination

    Some vaccines are publicly funded (free) for individuals who meet the Publicly Funded Immunization Schedules for Ontario criteria. To find out if you're eligible, talk to your health care provider or call the Vaccine Preventable Disease program.

    Other vaccines may need to be purchased or covered by school, work or private drug insurance plans. These are vaccines that individuals request for school, work or personal reasons such as travel. You have to pay or use insurance for these vaccines because they don't meet the publicly funded criteria.

More information

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