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With pandemic restrictions disrupting daily life over the past few years, getting routine vaccinations fell by the wayside for many people. Another reason is that many people aren't sure what shots they need and when. Then there are those who are understandably not thrilled about getting jabbed in the arm. But vaccines are important, because they can lower your risk of getting diseases like pneumonia, flu, shingles, and tetanus, all of which can be very serious, especially in older adults. Another important virus to get protected against is human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cancer. How do vaccines work Your immune system defends you against infection by recognizing and destroying germs that enter the body. Vaccines help you develop immunity by imitating an infection to introduce your immune system to the invading germ. This does not cause illness, but it helps your immune system recognize the germ (bacteria or virus) so it can fight it off in the future. 8 FALLAWINTER | 2022 Why do adults need vaccine As we age, the protection we got from the vaccines we received as children can decrease for some diseases. Getting recommended booster doses is a reminder for your immune system, providing a “boost” to your protection. Also, some adults may have missed one or more of the vaccines they should have received as children, and they should get them now. By keeping your vaccinations up to date, you can help prevent the spread of diseases to others who may be more likely to get sick, including babies young children pregnant women people with certain medical conditions people who have weakened immune systems Are vaccines safe Canada has one of the best vaccine safety programs in the world. The vaccines available in Canada are carefully evaluated by Health Canada for safety and effectiveness. They must meet the highest quality standards, and they undergo ongoing analyses for safety and effectiveness once they are approved for use. While many people who receive a vaccination have no adverse reactions, sometimes a minor side effect such as a mild fever or soreness at the injection site may occur. These side effects generally don't last long or cause too much discomfort. Sometimes a person will have a change in health following a vaccination and will assume it was the vaccine, but the timing might be a coincidence, and the change may have nothing to do with the vaccination. Serious side effects from vaccination are very rare. If you do experience any side effects after vaccination that cause you concern, follow up with your health professional for investigation. Continued
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