Immunizations

To receive an immunization, please schedule an appointment with the nurse and let us know which vaccine is needed.

Please confirm in advance that the vaccine is available at the clinic, since we do not carry all vaccines (e.g., Twinrix). Some vaccines require a prescription to allow you to pick it up at the pharmacy on the way to the clinic.

Adult Vaccines

Name	Due	Age Range	Comments
Flu Shot / Influenza Vaccine	Every year in late October / November	Infants 6 months or older, children and adults of all ages	We strongly recommend the flu shot every year for all eligible patients.
Tetanus / Adacel / Boostrix	Booster every 10 years.	All ages.	Adults over 15 should receive at least one combined ‘Tdap’ booster vaccine (Adacel, Boostrix), containing tetanus as well as pertussis (whooping cough), and diphtheria boosters.
Pneumococcal vaccine (Prevnar 20)	Single shot	Usually older adults; depends on risk factors such as asthma.	Sometimes called ‘pneumonia vaccines’ although they are better at preventing sepsis and meningitis. Ask us whether you are a candidate.
Shingles vaccine (Shingrix)	Initial shot, then a booster 2-6 months later.	At least age 50; no upper age; most effective when given at age 65-70 (OHIP-covered age range).	Reduces the risk and severity of shingles infections. Recommended. OHIP-covered if 65-70 years old.
Combined Hepatitis A and B (Twinrix)	Initial shot, 1 month after initial shot, and 6 months after initial shot.	All ages	Private payment usually required; acquire with a prescription at your pharmacy.
Hepatitis B (Engerix)	Initial shot, 1 month after initial shot, and 6 months after initial shot.	All ages;	Given to adolescents at school. Covered by Toronto Public Health for gay men.
Hepatitis A (Havrix)	Initial shot, then a booster 6-12 months later	All ages
HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)	Initial shot, then 2 months after initial shot, then 6 months after initial shot.	Females age 9-45; Males age 9-26	Females immunized in Grade 8. We recommend for boys as well but public health coverage not yet available.
Meningococcal ACYW Vaccines (Menactra, Menveo)	Single shot	Age 12-18	Recommended for adolescents. Free at TPH clinic: www.toronto.ca/immunization
Meningococcal B Vaccine	Series of 2-3 shots.	Age 12-18	Newer, complementary meningitis vaccine to standard ACYW. Optional but recommended for high-risk infants and teenagers.