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6 COVID-19: The COVID vaccines available in Canada are very effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and even death from COVID-19. Booster doses at the recommended intervals will ensure you have the best protection available. Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended for people with chronic liver disease, travellers to countries where hepatitis A is known to be present, those with occupational risks and food handlers, and people with other medical or lifestyle risks. Hepatitis A infection can cause serious liver disease. It is usually spread through fecal contaminated food or drinking water. Hepatitis B: This vaccine is recommended for adults who have medical, lifestyle, or occupational risks. It is also highly recommended for people travelling to areas with high infection rates. Hepatitis B is spread by contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. This can include an accidental needle poke or being splashed in mouth, nose or eyes with infected bodily fluids. Hepatitis B infection can cause serious illness, permanent liver damage (cirrhosis) or even liver cancer. Herpes Zoster (Shingles): This vaccine protects against shingles, a viral infection caused by the herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. About one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime. It usually presents as a painful skin rash with blisters on one side of the face or body. After the blisters heal, some people may have long lasting nerve pain. All adults ages 50 and over, plus people 18 years and older who are immunocompromised, should consider shingles vaccination. It is important to receive two doses of Shingrix® (two to six months apart), or one dose of Zostavax® II for full protection. 10 FALL/WINTER | 2022 HPV (human papillomavirus): This vaccine protects against the virus that can cause genital warts and a variety of cancers including anal cancer, head and neck cancers, plus nearly 100% of cervical cancers. If not immunized, it is estimated that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have an HPV infection in their lifetime. Adults need three doses of the HPV vaccine for full protection. Pneumococcal: These vaccines prevent the most common causes of pneumonia, a leading cause of hospitalization and death for Canadian seniors. There are two formulations, pneumococcal conjugate and pneumococcal polysaccharide that provide protection against the many types of pneumococcal bacteria that cause pneumonia. Your pharmacist or doctor can help you decide which product or products are best for you depending on your age or risk factors. Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td): Tetanus vaccine protects against a serious infection of the nerves that can cause lockjaw. While people usually get shots during childhood, an updated shot every ten years is recommended to maintain your immunity. It is given in combination with diphtheria vaccine to protect against a bacterial nose and throat infection, and the shot may also contain pertussis vaccine (Tdap) to protect against whooping cough. Don't skip or forget to get your complete series of vaccine doses or booster doses. Not getting your full course of a vaccine can be ineffective, reducing your immunity and putting you at increased risk of disease. Set reminders in your calendar or phone, or ask about ways your pharmacist or doctor can send you reminders to make sure you receive all of your doses. Getting your annual flu shot should be a yearly tradition for most. It’s especially important for people 65 and older and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease who are at risk for complications from the flu. It is also highly recommended for anyone who is in contact with these high risk individuals. Because the flu strains change every season, you'll need a new flu shot every year. The formulation used each year is determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) after evaluating the most common and harmful influenza viruses currently circulating. Flu vaccines come in a variety of choices. Most people receive a traditional, 4 strain, inactivated (killed) influenza virus, grown, in chicken eggs. There are also other choices such as cell-based inactivated flu vaccines or recombinant flu vaccines. Young children or adults who are afraid of needles can receive a nasal mist with live attenuated (weakened) flu vaccine. Older adults (65 years+) can choose an inactivated flu shot with an adjuvant (a substance that creates a better immune response) or a high-dose vaccine. More information on vaccinations for the flu and COVID is available in the article entitled “A complicated cold/flu season that begins on page 4. Your best shot Not sure of what vaccines you need? Many of these vaccines are provided for free on provincial programs (selection varies by province), and others are available through insurance policies or by private payment. Your London Drugs pharmacist can help you choose the right vaccines for you and your family, advise you on how to manage any possible side effects, and help you with anything else you need to know to get your best shot at staying healthy.
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