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Preventive Care

Vaccines for Adults

Two vaccines adults ask us about most — shingles and HPV. Short videos explaining what each one is for, and how to find out whether it applies to you.

Childhood immunisation is familiar to most people. Adult vaccination is less so, and the two below are the ones our patients most often have not heard applies to them. Whether either is right for you depends on your age, your health, and your history — so these videos explain what the vaccines are for, and the rest is a conversation with us.

Shingles
Shingles and the Shingrix vaccine

Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, which stays in the body for life and can reactivate years later. It is common, it can be painful, and the pain sometimes outlasts the rash by a long time.

There is a vaccine that substantially reduces the risk. Whether you are eligible, and whether it is publicly funded for you, depends on your age and circumstances — ask us and we will tell you what applies to you before anything is booked.

HPV
HPV vaccination in adulthood

Most people associate the HPV vaccine with the school programme, and assume that if they missed it, the opportunity has passed. For many adults that is not the case.

HPV causes several cancers that vaccination helps prevent. Whether it is worth it for you depends on your age and history — which is exactly the sort of thing worth five minutes of a visit.

While you are here
Other plain-language guides

Written for patients, by the same clinic, on the things people ask us about most: bone health, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, menopause and trouble sleeping.

Or browse everything at our health articles.

How to find out whether either applies to you. Ask at your next appointment, or call us on 905-683-0690. We will tell you what you are eligible for, what is publicly funded in your case, and what any cost would be — always before anything is given.

Wondering what else you are due for? Our screening tool at prevention.ajaxharwoodclinic.com lists what is currently offered in Ontario for your age, sex and health conditions. Print it and bring it in.

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