Over the last century, vaccines have saved more lives than any other health intervention.  The World Health Organization estimates that 2 to 3 million lives are spared each year as a result of immunization.

Immunization prevents disease, improves health and reduces pressure on the health care system.  It is important to note that immunization does not only protect you or your child, it is meant to provide “herd immunity”. Herd immunity provides indirect protection from vaccine-preventable diseases to infants too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women, the elderly, those that cannot be vaccinated and the immunocompromised.  Herd immunity is achieved when a large enough proportion of the population is immune to a disease making it difficult for the disease to spread.           

The vast majority of vaccine-preventable diseases still exist, even though they are rarely seen in Canada.  If immunization rates were to fall in Canada, the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases would increase.  This has been observed in other countries were large epidemics have resulted in huge numbers of preventable hospitalizations and deaths.  These diseases can range from mild to life-threatening.  In most cases there is no way to know if you or your child will get a mild or serious case.

Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to vaccine preventable diseases due to their immature immune systems being less able to fight off infection.  The Canadian immunization schedule is timed to ensure that infants are protected from diseases most likely to cause harm.  Any delay in immunization can result in unnecessary risk.  Immunization is not only important in infants, older children and adults also require immunizations.  Immunization gives your immune system a boost as well as builds new protection against diseases that are more common in these age groups.

Everyday you are exposed to millions of germs that keep your immune system working and protecting you.  Therefore, vaccinations are easily handled by the immune system.  Although it is true that no vaccine is 100% safe or effective, serious adverse effects are rare.  The threats posed by the diseases that the vaccine prevents are many times greater.  Canadian vaccines are put through rigorous scientific testing and review prior to use in order to ensure quality, safety and effectiveness.  Scientific studies have repeatedly found no link between autism and vaccination.  Vaccines do not contain harmful preservatives or additives.

Ask your primary care provider today what you can do to help keep your family and loved ones safe!

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Vaccines and immunizations. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html

Immunize Canada. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.immunize.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2017). Immunization and vaccination. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization-vaccines.html

World Health Organization. (2017). Immunization. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/immunization/en/

Community (“Herd”) Immunity

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Vaccines and immunizations. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html

Immunize Canada. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.immunize.ca

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2017). Immunization and vaccination. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization-vaccines.html

World Health Organization. (2017). Immunization. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/topics/immunization/en/

Vaccination is not just for children.  Vaccines are safe and protect you and those around you from vaccine-preventable diseases.  As we get older, the protection we had from previous vaccination can decrease for some diseases. Getting another dose (called a booster) can increase our immunity to provide the best protection. Some adults may have missed one or more of their vaccines when they were a child. They may need to catch up and get these vaccines now.

There are also diseases that are more common in adults, even healthy adults. This is why additional vaccines are needed as we get older.

By keeping up to date with vaccines, adults can prevent the spread of disease to those who may be more likely to contract them. These include:

• babies and young children;
• pregnant women; and
• people with certain medical conditions such as those who have weakened immunity.

This is known as community immunity or herd immunity. Many Canadian adults are not up to date with their vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider to see what you need to do to be fully protected.

Vaccine Schedule for Adults

Unless contraindicated, it is recommended that adults get vaccinated for common diseases at certain stages of life.

• Diphtheria and Tetanus – every 10 years
• Herpes Zoster (Shingles) – one dose at 60+ years (may be given between 50 and 59 years)
• Influenza (Flu) – every year
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – one dose as an adult and during each pregnancy
• Pneumococcal – one dose at 65+ years

Adults may also want to consider being vaccinated for the following diseases if medically appropriate.

• Hepatitis A – one dose*
• Hepatitis B – one dose*
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – one dose at 26 years of age or younger*
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella – one dose*
• Meningococcal (Meningitis) – one dose at 24 years of age or younger*
• Varicella (Chicken Pox) – one dose*

* multiple doses may be required

Not everyone is the same. You may need more or fewer vaccines depending on your medical history and risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about the right vaccines for you.

Vaccines for Adults 60 Years of Age and Older

As we get older, our immune system can get weaker. This puts us at a greater risk for certain diseases, including influenza. The flu is more likely to cause severe illness and even death in older adults. Other vaccine-preventable diseases such as herpes zoster (shingles) and pneumococcal disease are more common with age.

Reference

Government of Canada – Vaccinations for Adults