Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by Influenza A and B viruses. It tends to be most widespread during the fall and winter, with peak activity in the winter months. The flu is highly contagious and spreads through coughing or sneezing by infected individuals. While anyone can contract influenza, certain populations such as the elderly, young children or immunocompromised individuals may face a higher risk of complications. It is recommended to receive a annual flu vaccination every year since the vaccine is updated to match the expected viral strains circulating each year. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), annual influenza vaccinations are recommended for all individuals aged 6 months and older, unless otherwise contraindicated.

COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. While anyone can contract SARS-CoV-2, certain individuals face an elevated risk of experiencing severe disease. People with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to developing serious illness and may require medical intervention. According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and older, unless contraindicated.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can affect people of all ages. One common cause is the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) like bloodstream infections and meningitis. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. IPD is more common in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Children routinely receive pneumococcal vaccines as part of their immunization schedule. For adults, the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommends a pneumococcal booster vaccine for individuals who are 65 years and older. It is also recommended for adults aged 50-64 with certain risk factors that increase their susceptibility to pneumococcal disease, such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, or COPD. Additionally, adults aged 18-49 with immunocompromising conditions like HIV infection, organ transplant candidacy or recipients, or leukemia should consider the vaccine.

There are different types of pneumococcal vaccines available. Speak with your pharmacist for more information.

Meningococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis. It can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses such as meningitis (infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and bloodstream infections. The bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Infants are particularly vulnerable to severe cases of meningococcal disease.

Meninogococcal vaccines are routinely given to children as part of routine immunization programs.

Based on the recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI), it is advised for individuals at an increased risk of exposure, including travelers and immunocompromised individuals, to receive a booster dose of meningococcal vaccine.

Haemophilus influenzae type b (HiB) is a type of bacteria that can lead to bacterial meningitis and ear infections, especially in young children. It spreads through contact with respiratory droplets or secretions from the nose and throat of infected individuals. Infants and young children are particularly susceptible to HiB infections.

HiB vaccines are routinely administered to children as part of standard immunization programs. The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) also recommends the HiB vaccine for patients with specific medical conditions. Speak to your pharmacist to learn more about this vaccine.

Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection that can be prevented through vaccination. It is mainly transmitted by consuming contaminated food or water. Most people with Hepatitis A experience a short-term illness, and the infection often resolves on its own. However, individuals who have compromised immune systems or existing liver disease face a higher risk of developing severe liver complications.

According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI), the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and older who have an increased risk of infection such as travellers to high-risk areas, and various lifestyle factors.

Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can be transmitted when infectious blood or bodily fluids enter the body of an uninfected person. While some cases of hepatitis B may resolve on their own, the infection can become chronic, leading to severe liver disease.

Children routinely receive hepatitis B vaccines as part of their immunization schedule. Additionally, the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommends a booster dose for individuals with specific medical conditions. Speak to your pharmacists about booster dose.

Measles (rubeola), mumps, and rubella (German measles) are viral infections that can lead to severe illness in young children. The infections are highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Children routinely receive MMR vaccines as part of their immunization schedule. As per the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) guidleines, eligible individuals based on age (born in or after 1970), occupation, and travel, may receive a booster dose.

Diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) are bacterial infections that can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Tetanus (lockjaw) is a bacterial infection that leads to muscle spasms and is typically contracted through contaminated wounds. These infections can lead to severe illness, particularly in infants.

As per National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) , routine vaccinations are given to children. Additionally, the Tdap vaccine is offered to pregnant women during each pregnancy to provide passive immunity to the infant. It is also recommended by NACI to receive a booster dose of tetanus vaccine every 10 years.

Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV). It is characterized by the appearance of itchy blisters and a rash. The virus spreads through airborne particles and direct contact with the rash or blisters. The severity of a varicella infection tends to increase with age and certain medical conditions.

Routine vaccination is recommended for children aged 12 months and olderAdults who are susceptible to chickenpox or have specific medical conditions may also be eligible for vaccination.

Shingles is a viral infection that occurs when the virus responsible for chickenpox reactivates, affecting the skin and nerves. Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past is at risk of developing shingles, although it most commonly affects adults over the age of 50 due to a decline in immunity over time after the initial chickenpox infection.

Shingles can also lead to a complication called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is characterized by persistent and debilitating nerve pain lasting more than 3 months.

To prevent shingles and its complications, the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommends the shingles vaccine for adults aged 50 years and older. The vaccine is given as a 2-dose series.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. There are low-risk types of HPV that can cause genital warts, and high-risk types that can potentially lead to cervical, penile, and anogenital cancers.

The virus can be spread through oral, genital, and anal sexual contact. To protect against HPV-related diseases, the National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) recommends vaccination. The vaccine is typically given as a 2-dose or 3-dose series, depending on the age of the individual. It is recommended for patients between the ages of 9 to 45 years.

Children between the ages of 11 and 12 are required to receive two doses of the HPV vaccine, with an interval of 6 to 12 months between doses. HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9 years. However, if a child starts the HPV vaccine series on or after their 15th birthday, they will need a total of three doses, administered over a period of 6 months.

Polio is a viral infection that can can progress to severe muscle pain and paralysis. It spreads through the fecal-oral route, typically through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Children under 5 years of age are more susceptible to polio infection.

As per National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI), routine vaccination is recommended for infants and children.

Adults may also be eligible for the polio vaccine based on their immunization history, travel to high-risk areas, and occupation.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that can cause serious lung infections, especially in infants, young children, older adults, and pregnant individuals.

Vaccines are recommended for adults 60+, those 50+ at higher risk, and pregnant individuals (32–36 weeks). Talk to your pharmacist to learn more.