Are your vaccines up-to-date? As a child, you were probably vaccinated against the following diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps and rubella. Adult booster doses are required for some of these same vaccines. There are also different recommended vaccines against other diseases that you may be eligible for.
It is important that you have an assessment by your own health care provider to see which vaccines you may need for post-secondary school, clinical placements, employers and for your age and stage in life. You may have been given a list of requirements, and you will need to assess your record to see what you have had and may still require.
If you are over the age of 50, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines may be given as well.
You may have your "yellow card" or immunization record. Check with your health care provider that all doses and dates are complete. If you do not have your record, you can try and access it through the Ontario database.
Most vaccines, when given at the right time and in the right amount, will give lifelong protection. Sometimes you may need booster shots to continue the protection. If you are asked to get blood tests, they are checking to see if you are immune, or need more doses of certain vaccines.
The diseases that can be tested for by blood tests are: chickenpox (varicella), measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B. When you work in certain areas, you may be at higher risk of being exposed to these diseases. Checking to make sure you are immune helps you and your employer know that you are protected.
Please note that the Immunization Clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit does NOT provide bloodwork requisitions. You must see your own healthcare provider or visit a walk-in clinic to have bloodwork ordered, and you will need to go back to them to receive your results.
You may be asked to have a one-step or two-step TB skin test for school, work or volunteering. This helps to assess whether you have been exposed to TB. Please note that this test is NOT available at the Middlesex-London Health Unit unless it is medically necessary for a certain purpose, identified on paperwork. The Immunization Clinic does not provide TB skin tests for any education, volunteer or employer purposes. Ask your healthcare provider if they can do the test.
If you are pregnant, or are immunocompromised due to illness or medication, speak to your health care provider prior to any vaccines being given to you.
The immunization clinic at the Middlesex-London Health Unit is available for vaccine administration for adults who do not have a health card or a primary health care provider. This only includes publicly funded vaccines that you would be eligible for.
Please note that this clinic does not fill out any school or work forms, does not do TB skin tests, and cannot give you bloodwork requisitions.
It is advised that you speak with your own healthcare provider for vaccines as they will have your most recent records. If coming to the health unit clinic, persons over the age of 18 must live or go to school in London or Middlesex County, must have no healthcare provider or health card, and must have an appointment. To speak with a Public Health Nurse, or book an appointment, call 519-663-5317.
See the list of free and recommended vaccines available to people in Ontario
See details about each type of vaccine given in Ontario
