Immunizations
To receive an immunization, please schedule an appointment with the nurse and let us know which vaccine is needed.
Please confirm in advance that the vaccine is available at the clinic, since we do not carry all vaccines (e.g., Twinrix). Some vaccines require a prescription to allow you to pick it up at the pharmacy on the way to the clinic.
Adult Vaccines
| Name | Due | Age Range | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flu Shot / Influenza Vaccine | Every year in late October / November | Infants 6 months or older, children and adults of all ages | We strongly recommend the flu shot every year for all eligible patients. |
| Tetanus / Adacel / Boostrix | Booster every 10 years. | All ages. | Adults over 15 should receive at least one combined 'Tdap' booster vaccine (Adacel, Boostrix), containing tetanus as well as pertussis (whooping cough), and diphtheria boosters. |
| Pneumococcal vaccines (Prevnar 20 / Prevnar 13 / Pneumovax) | Usually a single dose; sometimes a series depending on risk factors | Usually older adults; depends on risk factors such as asthma. | Sometimes called 'pneumonia vaccines' although they are better at preventing sepsis and meningitis. Ask us whether you are a candidate. |
| Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) | 2-dose series. | At least age 50; no upper age. | Reduces the risk and severity of shingles infections. Recommended. Coverage depends on eligibility; may require a prescription to pick up at your pharmacy. |
| Combined Hepatitis A and B (Twinrix) | Initial shot, 1 month after initial shot, and 6 months after initial shot. | All ages | Private payment usually required; acquire with a prescription at your pharmacy. |
| Hepatitis B (Engerix) | Initial shot, 1 month after initial shot, and 6 months after initial shot. | All ages; | Given to adolescents at school. Covered by Toronto Public Health for gay men. |
| Hepatitis A (Havrix) | Initial shot, then a booster 6-12 months later | All ages | |
| HPV Vaccine (Gardasil) | Initial shot, then 2 months after initial shot, then 6 months after initial shot. | Females age 9-45; Males age 9-26 | Females immunized in Grade 8. We recommend for boys as well but public health coverage not yet available. |
| Meningococcal ACYW Vaccines (Menactra, Menveo) | Single shot | Age 12-18 | Recommended for adolescents. Free at TPH clinic: www.toronto.ca/immunization |
| Meningococcal B Vaccine | Series of 2-3 shots. | Age 12-18 | Newer, complementary meningitis vaccine to standard ACYW. Optional but recommended for high-risk infants and teenagers. |
| RSV vaccine (Arexvy) | Single dose (recommendations may change over time) | Older adults; may be recommended earlier for higher-risk patients | Helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Often available through pharmacies; ask us if it’s appropriate for you. |