Immunization
Immunizations are a cornerstone of public health, offering one of the most effective and economical ways to prevent disease. Vaccines have saved countless lives and prevented untold amounts of suffering by providing protection against a wide array of infectious diseases. In Canada, immunization has been instrumental in reducing illness and death among adults, children, and other vulnerable populations.
Immunization doesn't just safeguard those who receive it; it also protects the community at large. When a significant portion of the population is immunized, it greatly reduces the spread of disease, shielding individuals like infants who are too young to be vaccinated and those who cannot be immunized for medical reasons. This page highlights the importance of immunizations and provides specific information on flu vaccines, RSV vaccines, and pneumococcal vaccines.
Flu Vaccines
The influenza (flu) vaccine is an annual vaccine designed to protect against the most common strains of the influenza virus. Given that flu viruses evolve rapidly, the vaccine is updated each year to ensure optimal protection.
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Benefits:
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Prevents Illness: The flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death, particularly among high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.
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Protects Vulnerable Populations: Widespread immunization helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants and individuals with certain medical conditions, by reducing the overall prevalence of the virus in the community.
Who Should Get It:
Everyone aged 6 months and older is recommended to receive an annual flu vaccine, with rare exceptions. It is especially important for healthcare workers, caregivers, and individuals at higher risk of severe flu complications.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Vaccines
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in infants, young children, and older adults. Recent advancements have led to the development of vaccines to prevent RSV infections.
Benefits:
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Reduces Hospitalizations: The RSV vaccine can significantly decrease the incidence of severe RSV infections, which often lead to hospitalizations in infants and older adults.
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Prevents Complications: By preventing RSV, the vaccine also helps avoid complications such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which can be particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly.
Who Should Get It:
The RSV vaccine is particularly recommended for infants, young children, and older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk for severe RSV disease.
Pneumococcal Vaccines
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can lead to serious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
Benefits:
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Prevents Severe Infections: Pneumococcal vaccines reduce the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening infections, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
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Reduces Antibiotic Resistance: By preventing pneumococcal infections, vaccination helps reduce the need for antibiotic treatment and combats antibiotic resistance.
Who Should Get It:
There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) and PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine). The PCV13 is recommended for all children under 2 years old and adults over 65, while the PPSV23 is recommended for all adults over 65 and for younger individuals with certain risk factors.
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People at Higher Risk From Respiratory Viruses include:
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People with health conditions such as lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis)
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Very young children and seniors
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Pregnant people
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Indigenous peoples
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Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities
Book Your Flu Vaccine
The standard influenza vaccine is available from most family physicians, family practice nurses, nurse practitioners and pharmacists. The high dose flu vaccine is NOW AVAILABLE to all people 65+ in both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
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If you’re 5 and older, it’s safe to get an influenza vaccine before, after, or at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine. As a precaution, children 6 months to 4 years (or those aged 5 who receive a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine) need to wait 14 days between their influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine.
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High dose flu vaccine - Available for all seniors 65+
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The High Dose Influenza Vaccine is a Quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine that is licensed specifically for people 65 years and older. The high dose vaccine has four times the concentration of influenza virus antigen as the standard inactivated influenza vaccine which is intended to give the older people a stronger immune response, and therefore, better protection against influenza.
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This vaccine is available free to to anyone 65+ in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Click links above for booking your high dose flu vaccine.
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