Immunization – Not just for children

Ask the Pharmacist

Robert Wojtas, BSc (Hons), BSc Pharm, RPh

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health innovations and has saved more lives than any other health intervention. Most adults received their full course of childhood immunization as infants and school children. Many adults make a point of receiving a yearly flu shot. However, did you know that immunity can wear off as you age? The need for immunization does not end with childhood. Thousands of people are hospitalized, and many die, as a result of influenza and other diseases that can be prevented by immunization. Depending on your age, you may not have received the full schedule of vaccinations, as some came into effect later than others. It’s a good idea to find out what you’ve been immunized against and make sure you’re as up to date as possible.

Pertussis (whooping cough) has recently been in the news. This “hundred days cough” can be quite serious, often debilitating, and sometimes fatal. Because immunity to pertussis can wane over time, Immunize Canada now recommends that adults get a booster to protect themselves, and those who cannot receive the vaccine (such as immunocompromised individuals and infants less than two months of age). BC’s immunization schedule includes Hepatitis B and Meningococcal C for adults who were not vaccinated as children against these diseases. The Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is also recommended for any adult who did not contract chickenpox as a child. Adults should routinely receive tetanus boosters every 10 years to ensure their protection against tetanus is up to date. For all who love to garden, a tetanus shot is especially important, as the bacteria that causes tetanus is most commonly found in soil. Immunize Canada includes HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), Herpes Zoster (shingles), and MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) in their schedule of adult vaccinations. Other vaccines that adults may choose to get include certain travel vaccines that vary by destination. 

By being up to date on your vaccinations you not only protect yourself, you protect others. For many vaccinations to work optimally, a certain percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated creating “herd immunity.” When the majority of people have been vaccinated the chance of an outbreak of the disease is significantly reduced. This “herd immunity" protects the people who cannot be immunized for medical reasons.

Pharmacists have long been one of the most accessible health professionals in your community. As the scope of practice in the profession of pharmacy continues to grow, so do the benefits to the population at large. One of these expanding roles started a few years ago with the introduction of an accredited Administration of Injections Certificate Program in BC. Pharmacists who successfully complete the program are granted the authority to administer medications by injection. In fact, as of August 2014, more than 3,000 pharmacists in British Columbia have received the authority to administer injections.

It’s now easier than ever to get the necessary vaccinations to keep you, your family, and your community healthy. If you have any questions, or would like more information about adult vaccination, speak to your pharmacist or doctor or go to www.immunize.ca.

The James Bay Beacon receives monthly contributions from the following pharmacists:

Jason Cridge - Cridge Family Pharmacy;
Stefani Tagg - Thrifty Foods Pharmsacy; and
Robert Wojtas - James Bay Pharmasave