Vaccination for adults

Vaccination isn't 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 for certain diseases can decrease. 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. 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 get sick from them. These include:

• babies
• young children
• people who are pregnant
• people with certain medical conditions, such as those who have weakened immunity.

Check if your vaccines are up to date. Talk to your health care provider to see what you need to be fully protected. Your health care provider may ask questions about your medical history, including:

• what vaccines you had in the past
• if you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• if you have health conditions
• your type of work
• if you have upcoming travel

• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate (Pneu-C-20) vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine
• Influenza vaccine
• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (whooping cough), (Tdap) vaccine
• Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccine
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine

Other vaccines may also be recommended in certain situations. For example:

• if you're travelling to an area where certain viruses or bacteria are common
• if you may have been exposed to certain viruses or bacteria, for example, due to exposure to an infected person or animal or a contaminated object during an outbreak of a disease.
• if you have certain health conditions or risk factors

Publicly funded vaccines are available to residents of New Brunswick based on the eligibility as outlined in the New Brunswick Routine Immunization Schedule. This schedule outlines the routine immunizations recommended for infants, children, adolescents and adults.

If you need information regarding vaccination or wish to book an appointment, consult your family doctor, nurse practitioner or your local pharmacist to ensure you are up to date with your immunization.

Everyone should maintain a personal vaccination record. Keep it in a safe place and present it at every vaccination appointment so it can be updated.

To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your MyHealthNB  account. Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB .

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, you can send an email to:  [email protected].

If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines: your health-care provider, your pharmacy, or your local  Public Health office.

Vaccination is important for everyone of reproductive age, whether planning a pregnancy or not.

During pregnancy, your immune system changes and this can put you at risk for a number of serious infectious diseases and complications. Your baby can also be affected by these infections, which can result in:

• birth defects
• premature birth
• miscarriage (losing a baby before birth)
• death

Since an unplanned pregnancy can happen, it's important to keep your vaccinations up to date at all times. This will help protect you and your baby from certain infections that could cause serious complications. Talk to your health care provider about your vaccination status.

Vaccines recommended in the Routine Immunization Schedule are provided by Public Health and other health-care providers throughout New Brunswick. “On time” and “on schedule” immunization provide the best protection against vaccine preventable diseases.

• Public Health Agency of Canada: Vaccination for adults - Canada.ca
• Government of New Brunswick: Vaccines and immunization (gnb.ca)
• Adults | immunizecanada