There are several reasons why adults need vaccines. Learn about five benefits of getting the vaccines you need.

1. They help you stay healthy throughout your life

Vaccines help protect you against many diseases that can cause serious illness, long-term disability and even death. They help you stay healthy so you don’t miss out on things like work, volunteering and spending time with others.

2. They help protect the people around you

When you get immunized, you don't just protect yourself; you help protect others, too. This is because you will be less likely to get and spread certain diseases. This helps protect those who can't get immunized and those who may be more likely to get very sick from the disease, such as young babies and people with certain medical conditions. This type of protection is called community immunity.

3. Protection from some vaccines can wear off

As you age, the protection from some vaccines you received earlier in life can wear off. Booster doses are needed to help you stay protected. For example, adults need a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years.

4. Your vaccine needs change over time

Things like your age, job, health conditions or travel plans may put you at risk for diseases that vaccines can prevent. For example:

• Some jobs can put you at higher risk of being exposed to hepatitis B
• Adults over 50 are more likely to get shingles
• Adults 65 and over are at increased risk of getting very sick from pneumococcal infections
• Some health conditions make it harder to fight off the germs that cause diseases such as influenza (flu) or pneumococcal disease
• People who are travelling may be exposed to diseases that are uncommon or not present in Canada

5. Newer vaccines are available

New vaccines have become available for adults. For example, vaccines are now available to help protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).