Immunizations for adults
How to protect yourself from serious illnesses with safe and reliable vaccines.
Why you should get immunized
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 and healthy.
Immunizations for adults
As an adult you should receive the following publicly funded immunizations through primary care provider offices (for example, physician and nurse practitioner):
- tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) (once in adulthood, once in every pregnancy)
- tetanus, diphtheria (Td) (every 10 years)
- shingles (2-dose series between age 65 to 70)
- pneumococcal (at age 65 or older)
Some public health units may offer vaccination as well. Contact your local public health unit for information on immunization in your community.
Adults who meet specific high-risk eligibility criteria can also receive the publicly funded RSV vaccine. Please speak to your primary care provider or learn more about eligibility and where to get your vaccine.
You can receive your annual publicly funded COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at participating locations including:
- pharmacies
- primary care provider offices (for example, physician and nurse practitioner)
- public health units
- hospitals
- congregate care settings
Please call ahead to confirm availability.
Pharmacies
Currently, pharmacies do not administer immunizations as part of Ontario’s publicly funded immunization program, except for free COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots.
People who receive immunizations other than COVID-19 and flu at a pharmacy will be required to pay out of pocket. Administration costs may vary for pharmacists. Some costs may be covered by private insurance. Talk to your pharmacy to understand their policies and related costs.
Regardless of your age or eligibility, the ministry does not reimburse people for any fees related to privately purchased immunizations, including any associated administration, dispensing and assessment fees charged by the pharmacy.
If you’re travelling
You may need immunizations when you travel outside Canada. Consult your health care provider, local public health unit, or travel clinic two or three months before you travel.
This will allow enough time to:
- make sure the immunizations you need are available
- receive all necessary doses of vaccine before you travel
The immunizations you need are based on:
- where you are going
- the type of travel and length of time
- what immunizations you have already received
The Public Health Agency of Canada provides travel health notices, which includes information on immunizations.
You can also contact your primary care provider, travel clinic or local pharmacy for information on immunizations and how to access them.
Flu shots
The best defense against the flu is to get vaccinated. Unless there is a medical reason not to, everyone aged six months or older can benefit from getting the seasonal flu shot.
COVID-19 vaccinations
Getting vaccinated and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and communities from severe outcomes from COVID-19 and its variants.
Find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations.
Get immunized before having a baby
Be sure you and everyone in your household are up to date on your immunizations if you are thinking about having a baby. This can protect your developing baby from serious infections. Recommended immunizations also help protect babies after birth and early infancy, when they are most vulnerable.
Pregnant women are eligible to get a free pertussis (whooping cough) immunization in every pregnancy to help protect the baby after birth. The pertussis immunization is given as part of the tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.
Personal risk factors
If you have special medical conditions or other high risk factors, you may need additional immunizations. Talk to your health care provider or your local public health unit about other recommended immunizations.