Immunization is an important part of staying healthy. Make sure that your immunizations are up-to-date. Talk with your health care provider or contact your community or public health centre about the immunizations you need for your own health and your partner’s health.
Immunization protects against many preventable diseases. Vaccines help to make your immune system stronger and build antibodies to help prevent disease. If you haven’t had all of your immunizations, it is never too late for you to catch up.
Getting immunized is much safer than getting the disease that it prevents.
Vaccines benefit everyone. Not just for you but for family members too. It’s just as important that they are protected.
To learn more about immunization visit AHS Immunization.
Yes, vaccines used in Canada are very safe. Getting immunized is much safer than getting the disease.
In Canada, vaccines must go through strict testing before they are approved for use.
Health Canada carefully oversees how vaccines are produced. Vaccines go through detailed tests and quality checks.
Health care providers follow strict methods to make sure the vaccine is given in a safe and effective way. They will also make sure that they have your consent and that you understand the benefits and side effects of the immunization.
After you get immunized, you may have some redness, swelling or pain where the needle was given. These symptoms shouldn’t last long (1 – 3 days).
Severe allergic reactions to immunizations are rare. If you notice anything that isn’t right for you after an immunization, contact your health care provider.
The vaccines you need as an adult depend on your age, overall health, pregnancy status, job, and travel plans.
Your needs also depend on who you are in close contact with and what vaccines you had in the past.
Some vaccines protect for life, while others need to be repeated (boosted) after a certain period of time.
Examples of vaccines that need repeating are:
Other vaccines may also be recommended.
Talk with your health care provider about your needs and your medical history. It’s important to be up-to-date with all routine immunizations.
Make an appointment at the community or public health centre closest to you. Use the find Community Health Centres search tool or call Health Link at 811 to find the centre nearest you.
For recommended immunizations, see the Alberta Health Services adult immunization schedule.
COVID-19 vaccines protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (also known as COVID-19). The virus causes an infection in the lungs. In some cases, it can also cause problems with other body organs.
The COVID-19 vaccine does not prevent all infections, but it lowers your risk of severe outcomes such as being in the hospital or death. It can also lower your chance of spreading COVID-19 to others.
Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and others.
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a rare illness caused by infection with the mpox virus. Mpox virus is related to the smallpox virus but typically causes less serious disease. Mpox spreads through close contact with someone who has mpox. It may also spread if you have contact with bedding or clothing that touches the rash and has the virus on it. The virus enters the body through broken skin or your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Most people recover on their own in a few weeks. However, some may need to be admitted to hospital to get more care.
Mpox may look different in each person, but symptoms can include:
People with weak immune systems, children, or those who are pregnant may have a higher risk of getting very sick.
For updated information about mpox, how to treat or prevent it, and who can get the Mpox vaccine, see Mpox | Alberta Health Services, talk to your health care provider, call Health Link at 811, or visit Sexual and Reproductive Health.
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