Adult Immunizations
Immunizations are not just for children. All adults need to be vaccinated to stay healthy. Find out what vaccines you need by taking the PEI Adult Immunization Self-Assessment Tool.
Adult Vaccine Schedules
- Adults, 18 to 64 years of age
- Adults, 65 years of age and older
- Adults at high risk due to health condition, disease or lifestyle risk (e.g. asthma, cancer, smoking, etc.)
- If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
- Adults at risk of shingles
Adults, aged 18 to 64
| Vaccine | How can I get this vaccine? |
| Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus, Diphtheria and acellular Pertussis (Tdap) | Adults can make an appointment without referral at the local Health PEI Public Health Nursing (PHN) Office. |
| Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) | If you are born after 1970 and have not been immunized or had the disease, make an appointment without referral at the local PHN. |
| Influenza (Flu) |
Flu vaccine is recommended annually for all adults. Visit the Flu Vaccination Clinics web page for details or check with your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or community pharmacist. |
| Herpes Zoster (Shingles) |
If you are 60 years of age or over, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. This vaccine is publicly funded for everyone 60 years and older in pharmacies. Some private insurance companies may cover the cost of this vaccine for people who are 55 to 64 years of age. |
Adults, 65 years and over
| Vaccine | How can I get this vaccine? | |
| Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (Pneu-P-23) |
Adults 65 and older can make an appointment without a referral at the local Health PEI Public Health Nursing (PHN) Office. Adults under 65 at higher risk require a referral from a healthcare provider to PHN. |
|
| Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus, Diphtheria and acellular Pertussis (Tdap) | Adults can make an appointment without a referral at the local PHN. | |
| Influenza (Flu) |
Older adults are at higher risk of complications from influenza. The flu vaccine is recommended annually, especially for individuals 65 years and older. Visit the Flu Vaccination Clinics web page for details or check with your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or community pharmacist. |
|
| Herpes Zoster (Shingles) |
A shingles infection can be very serious, especially if you are older or have a compromised immune system. If you are 60 years old or over, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. This vaccine is publicly funded in pharmacies for everyone 60 years and over |
|
Adults at higher risk
You may be considered high risk if you have a chronic illness, certain diseases including cancer, a weakened immune system or have other risk factors such as smoking or heavy drinking.
| Vaccine | How can I get this vaccine? | |
| Pneumococcal Conjugate (Pneu-C-13) | Adults at higher risk require referral from a healthcare provider to Public Health Nursing (PHN) Office. | |
| Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (Pneu-P-23) |
Adults under 65 at higher risk require a referral from a healthcare provider to PHN or may be able to receive this vaccine from their healthcare provider. Adults 65 and older can make an appointment without a referral at the local PHN. |
|
| Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus, Diphtheria and acellular Pertussis (Tdap) | Adults can make an appointment without a referral at the local PHN. | |
| Influenza (Flu) |
Some adults are at higher risk of complications from influenza. The flu vaccine is recommended annually, especially for individuals 65 years and older. Visit the Flu Vaccination Clinics web page for details or check with your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or community pharmacist. |
|
Pregnant
Before pregnancy
If you intend to become pregnant, discuss your immunization status with your healthcare provider. Some important vaccines are not recommended to be given during pregnancy. Plan ahead and get them before getting pregnant.
You should also make sure everyone in your household has their shots up to date. It is easier for newborns to get an infection, and it takes longer for a baby to be fully immunized. So it's up to those around them to provide protection.
During pregnancy
Many routine vaccines can be given safely during pregnancy. Talk with your healthcare provider about the vaccines that can best protect you and your baby.
Shingles
Shingles is a disease caused by the reoccurance of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Complications from shingles can be painful and potentially severe. Older adults are particularly at risk.
| Vaccine | How can I get this vaccine? |
| Herpes Zoster (Shingles) |
A shingles infection can be very serious, especially if you are older or have a compromised immune system. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that Recombinant Zoster Vaccine should be offered to populations over 50 years of age without contraindications. If you are 50 years old or over, talk with your healthcare provider. This vaccine is publicly funded for those 60 years of age and older in PEI. |
Common Questions and Answers
Do I have to pay for vaccinations?
The majority of recommended vaccines for adults are provided free of charge at Public Health Nursing offices across PEI. For more details consult the PEI Adult Immunization Schedule The flu vaccine is free of charge for everyone living in PEI.
How can I find out if my vaccinations are up to date?
Find out what vaccines you need by taking the PEI Adult Immunization Self-Assessment Tool. Call the Public Health Nursing office in your area and speak with a public health nurse to find out if your vaccinations are up to date.
Newcomers to PEI
If you have moved to PEI from another province or country, your vaccine history may be different. You can still contact Public Health Nursing. A public health nurse will review your current immunization record and recommend any additional vaccines.
How can I get a copy of my vaccination record?
Vaccination records are held by the Public Health Nursing office. Staff of the Public Health Nursing office in your area can provide you with a copy of your vaccination record (if available) at no cost. The application process takes approximately two weeks.
Adult Immunization Referral Form and Detailed Schedule (for Healthcare Workers)
Adult Immunization Referral Form
Adult Immunization Detailed Schedule for PEI
Track your own immunization records
Download the CANImmunize smartphone app to manage your vaccination records and appointments.
This free, secure app includes the PEI immunization schedule.