General Vaccination Information for Seniors

Seniors can be a vulnerable population and vaccines need to be current.  Consult with your medical professional to review your vaccination records. In making decisions about vaccines, it is important to gather information about the efficacy and potential side effects relative to your individual circumstances and especially so if there is more than one vaccine option available. Following are those recommended in the Canadian Immunization Guide.

Those who travel out of the country, whether to warmer climates or more exotic locations, need to determine recommended vaccinations for the destination and consider travel advisories.

Vaccine

Medication /Brand Name Population Recommended Frequency

Flu

Vaccines vary from year to year depending on the virus strain Recommended for anyone over 6 months and essential for anyone over the age of 65

1 dose yearly

High Dose

Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent 65 and over

1 dose yearly

Pneumonia

(Pneumococcal)

Conjugate (PCV13), followed by PPV23 8 weeks later Anyone who is at high risk and all persons over 65

Once you have the first and second shot, you may not require any more, however, you should always check with your medical professional

Shingles Shingrix Zostavax II 50 plus

2 shots every 5 years

I dose

Tetanus

Tdap Vaccine for the initial shot then the Td booster is required everyone

The Td booster should be administered every 10 years (if you have previously had the Tdap vaccine)

Diphtheria

Tdap Vaccine for the initial shot then the Td booster is required everyone

The Td booster should be administered every 10 years (if you have previously had the Tdap vaccine)

Whooping Cough Tdap Vaccine for the initial shot then the Td booster is required everyone, especially those who will be around infants

The Td booster should be administered every 10 years (if you have previously had the Tdap vaccine)