Adult immunizations

Keeping up-to-date with your immunizations is important to staying healthy.

Immunizations are not just for children. Some childhood immunizations, such as tetanus and diphtheria, do not give immunity for life – so even if you were immunized as a child, you may require ‘booster shots’ as an adult. For example, all adults in B.C. can get a booster of tetanus and diphtheria vaccine every 10 years.

Adults who did not complete their vaccines as a child are at risk for infection and can also infect others. For example, adults who are infected with measles or pertussis (whooping cough) can infect infants who may not be fully immunized.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommends vaccines for adults based on immunization history, age, health and other risk factors.

Find out what vaccines you may be eligible for as an adult in B.C.

Immunizations schedules are often different from country to country. As a new Canadian, there may be free vaccines that you need. Talk with your doctor or contact your local public health unit to find out what vaccines you may need.

Different chronic health conditions can put you at risk for different vaccine preventable diseases. Talk with your doctor or contact your local public health unit to find out what vaccines you may need.

Getting immunized is the best way to protect yourself against disease. When you get immunized you help to protect others as well.

Book your appointment with your doctor, pharmacist or Public Health.

Residents of Fraser East (Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope), call 604-702-4906

Residents in any other area of Fraser Health, call 604-476-7087 

Hours of operation: Monday to Friday (8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.)

Note: When making an appointment with Public Health, you will be offered a text message reminder through the ImmunizeBC text message reminder system. 

Protect yourself from serious illnesses while travelling. Get your travel immunizations before your trip.

Most vaccines are free (publicly funded). However, there are some vaccines that may be recommended but not publicly funded. Speak with your doctor, pharmacist or Public Health for details.

Get access to your immunization records.

When should I report immunization records?

1. If you are an adult with immunization records that have not bee sent to Public Health
2. If you have been immunized outside of the Fraser Health region (e.g. Vancouver, Richmond, or out of province).

You do not need to report immunizations that are provided at a Fraser Health public health unit because those immunizations are recorded into Fraser Health’s system.

How do I report immunization records?

There are three ways to report your immunization record.

1. In person: Drop off a photocopy of your immunization record to your public health unit.
2. Fax or mail: Send a copy of your immunization record by fax or mail to your public health unit.
3. Online: Submit a photo of your immunizations record to public health on our website at www.fraserhealth.ca/immunizationform.

If you are unsure if your immunizations are up to date, please review with your family doctor or call your local public health unit.

• ImmunizeBC: Adult immunizations
  Vaccines are not just for babies and children. Learn why vaccination is important for adults and what vaccines are needed. 
• I Boost Immunity 
  Earn a vaccine for someone in need by answering a quiz.