Immunization; it’s not just for kids.

When you think of immunization, it’s usually in relation to children. But immunization is just as important for adults, and it’s the most effective way to protect you and your family against a number of very serious infections.

“Adults often think about travel-related immunization for exotic illnesses and what vaccines they should get before they leave,” says Teresa McCormack, Registered Nurse in the Occupational Health and Safety Department at TSH. “While these are extremely important, it’s also important for adults to ensure they have all of their routine immunizations up to date, including boosters. There are also specific vaccines available for people over 60 such as pneumococcal and shingles.”

If you’re travelling, there are certain vaccines you should get depending on the country you are visiting. You can talk to your healthcare provider, local public health office, or you can visit http://www.travelhealth.gc.ca/ for more information about specific vaccines.

Some adults may not have received common vaccines due to changes in the immunization schedule when they were children, or if they have moved to Canada from another country.

“Measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox are given to children,” says Teresa. “But if you didn’t receive the vaccine as a child, you should ask for it. Although these diseases are rare in Canada, you could still be susceptible to them if you travel to countries where they are more common.”

Here is a list of some other vaccines you should have up to date:

Tetanus – everyone; every 10 years

Diphtheria – everyone; every 10 years

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) – everyone; once in adulthood

Influenza (Flu shot) – everyone; every year

Pneumonia (Pneumococcal) – people age 19 to 64 with specific medical conditions and everyone over age 65; once in your lifetime

Hepatitis B – People with medical, occupational or lifestyle risks and anyone who wants protection; a series of vaccines over a period of time

Hepatitis A – People with medical, occupational or lifestyle risks and anyone who wants protection; a series of vaccines over a period of time

Meningococcal – people with specific medical conditions and people living in residential accommodation including students and military personnel; there are a number of different vaccines – talk to your healthcare provider about which one is right for you

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – females and males nine to 26 years old; three doses within six months

Shingles (Herpes zoster) – age 60 and over; once in your lifetime

The importance of prevention and screening for cervical cancer

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common type of gynaecological cancer. In North America, it is the eighth most common cancer. The incidence of cervical cancer has decreased in the developed world because of regular Pap screening. Pap tests detect abnormal cells before they become cancer and further treatments can prevent them from ever becoming cancer. 

“Sadly, not all women go for regular testing and so we continue to see this lethal disease,” said Dr. Georgina Wilcock, an Obstetrician/Gynecologist at The Scarborough Hospital. “Each year in Canada, it’s estimated there are 1,300 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed and 390 women will die of the disease. “

For these reasons, Dr. Wilcock reminds women about the importance of regular Pap test screening, which has been shown to decrease the incidence of cervical cancer by 50 per cent.

The Pap test is a quick, simple and usually painless procedure where a doctor scrapes and removes cells from the surface of the cervix with a small brush or spatula.  The cells are then examined in a laboratory. In the event that a Pap test shows  changes or abnormalities in the cervical cells, follow-up tests or procedures may be done.

Currently in Canada, it is recommended that women between the ages of 18 and 69 (or women under 18 who are sexually active) undergo cervical screening.

“Although the cause of cancer in general remains somewhat of a mystery, the cause of cervical cancer is not. The culprit is almost always the human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs),” points out Dr. Wilcock.

While some types of HPV cause genital warts, other strains of the virus can infect the cervix and then cause abnormal changes within the cells that may slowly progress to cancer.

There are several other important steps women can take to minimize their risk of developing cervical cancer:

• Get the HPV vaccine – The world’s first vaccination against HPV was approved in Canada and the U.S. in 2006. The vaccination provides protection from four different types of HPV – two of which cause 70 per cent of cervical cancer. In Ontario, this vaccine is given free to girls in grade eight. It is given at this young age because it has been shown that this is the best age for young women to develop a strong immunity to the virus.
• Practice safe sex – The HPV virus is most commonly transmitted via sexual contact and intercourse. Refraining from genital contact with an infected person or using a condom will reduce the risk of HPV infection.  However, condoms are not 100 per cent effective as they only protect the covered area.
• Stop smoking – Both tobacco smoking and exposure to second hand smoke have been associated with the development of cervical cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce the chance of developing the disease.

And, of course, ensure that you are receiving regular Pap testing.