The following is taken from an update by a friend of mine and I thank him for it. Please ensure that you talk to your medical advisor about your need for any vaccine. Do not take information from the Internet without checking with your medical provider. I am a big fan of vaccinations and recommend them to everyone I talk to or meet. These recommendations are from the National Advisory Council on Immunization for Canada,
Shingles:
Chickenpox vaccine (Varivax) is now a routine childhood immunization to prevent chickenpox. However, it is also recommended for adults who have never had chickenpox.
Shingrix is a highly effective vaccine offering robust protection against Shingles. It is administered in two doses, with a 2 to 6-month gap between them. The cost of Shingrix can vary; in British Columbia (BC), it is priced at $150-$165 per dose, while it may be available for free in other provinces. To determine the cost in your area, consult your medical provider.
Shingrix is approved and recommended for individuals aged 50 and older, even if they have previously received Zostavax. With an efficacy rate of approximately 95%, this vaccine provides long-lasting protection.
Pneumonia:
Pneumococcal Vaccination is crucial for protecting against diseases like pneumonia, bacteraemic pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Prevnar 20 is a new vaccine that covers 20 types of bacteria, replacing the previous Prevnar 13. In BC, it costs around $150. Please consult your medical provider for pricing information in other areas.
Pneumovax 23 is another important vaccine used to prevent pneumonia caused by 23 different types of pneumococci bacteria. It is publicly funded in BC but may incur costs in other jurisdictions. This vaccine offers protection against various diseases, from pneumonia to meningitis and severe bloodstream infections.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (Whooping Cough):
Diphtheria and Tetanus are severe infections caused by bacteria that produce toxins and can lead to serious health issues, including difficulty breathing, heart failure, and paralysis. Tetanus is often referred to as "lockjaw."
It is essential to receive the Tdap booster, a combination shot covering Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis, every 10 years. This booster is particularly important if you are in close contact with children under 4 years old, such as grandchildren. The cost of the Tdap booster can vary, so consult your medical provider for specific pricing information.
RSV Vaccine:
A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is available to protect against RSV infection. In British Columbia, this vaccine is priced between $230 and $250. Recently, it was announced that the RSV vaccine will be provided free of charge to individuals aged 65 and older in Ontario.
Influenza:
The High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine contains four times the antigen of a standard dose vaccine to account for age-related weakening of the immune system, known as "immunosenescence."
This vaccine, known as Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine, costs approximately $90 in British Columbia. However, the cost may vary in other areas, so please check with your healthcare provider.
The High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine provides superior protection, offering more than 24% greater efficacy compared to the standard dose, with even better protection for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing chronic conditions.
The National Advisory Council on Immunization (NACI) recommends the High-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine for adults aged 65 and older during the 2023/2024 flu season.
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