SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Immunization is one of the easiest ways you can protect your health; however, due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, many adults across our region need to catch up on routine immunizations.

This week, April 24 to 30, marks National Immunization Awareness Week (NIAW) in Canada and this year’s theme is “catch up with confidence” and a reminder that it is vital for adults to get caught up with the routine, publicly funded vaccines they need to stay healthy. 

“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,” says 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.”

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 – 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 years of age who have never received the shingles vaccine, publicly funded shingles vaccine is available.

Learn more about what other vaccines that may be recommended for you by talking to your healthcare professional. 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. 

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