Catch up on immunizations

Even though we’re well in to winter, it’s still important to focus on getting up to date with your COVID and flu, or influenza, vaccines. Talk to your doctor, or learn more and find out where to get one on ProtectMB.

Of course, there’s more we can be immunized against than just the flu or COVID. 

Staying up-to-date with your vaccines can prevent many diseases, decrease your risk of dying and lead to a better quality of life. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that vaccines prevent 3.5 to five million deaths per year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), influenza and measles. However, many people missed routine vaccines during the pandemic and have still not caught up.

In Canada, vaccines are tested and rigorously reviewed before being approved. They are among the safest medical interventions available. You can learn more about vaccine effectiveness and safety here.

One in six Manitobans believe they aren’t doing enough or could be doing more when it comes to keeping up to date with medical screenings and immunizations (Doctors Manitoba 2023 survey). Now is a good time to focus on catching up on immunizations for you and your family.

Here are some vaccine recommendations that may apply to you!

• Most vaccines are given during childhood and teenage years. Many children missed routine immunizations during the pandemic, and should catch up.

• If you turned 65 during the pandemic you may have missed your pneumococcal vaccine.

• If you’re an adult, make sure to get your tetanus booster every 10 years.

• If you’re over the age of 50, talk to your doctor about whether or not you should get a shingles vaccine.
  

• If you’ve developed a new health condition you may be eligible for vaccines. It’s a good idea to talk to your Doctor about it.

• If you are pregnant, make sure to get your pertussis, flu and COVID vaccines while you are pregnant to help protect you and your infant.

You can see Manitoba’s recommended immunization schedule by age for more information. Check if your immunizations are up to date by talking to your doctor or contacting your local public health office.

When to Call a Doctor

Sometimes it is important to see a doctor if you have questions or concerns about getting recommended vaccines. Some of the reasons include:

• You are worried about having a vaccine reaction

• You want to know more about the symptoms associated with a disease being prevented by the vaccine

• You received a reminder letter from Manitoba Health that you or your child are eligible or overdue for vaccines.

• You or your child have medical conditions or take medications and have questions about interactions with vaccines.