Home / Health / Ontario Adults Over 50 Urged to Get Pneumo Vaccine
Ontario Adults Over 50 Urged to Get Pneumo Vaccine
29 Nov
Summary
- Adults over 50, especially those over 65, should consider pneumococcal vaccine.
- Cases increased from 63 in 2023 to 95 so far this year.
- The vaccine is free for a one-time dose for adults in Ontario.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is encouraging individuals over 50, and especially those over 65 with existing medical conditions, to consider receiving the pneumococcal vaccine before winter's end. This vaccination offers protection against a bacteria that can lead to invasive pneumococcal disease, a condition that can cause serious illness, including pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.
The number of reported cases has seen a steady increase, rising from 63 in 2023 to 77 in 2024, and reaching 95 cases year-to-date. Notably, more than half of these recent cases involved individuals aged 50 and above. A significant proportion, over two-thirds, required hospitalization, with some needing intensive care.
Adults in Ontario are eligible to receive the pneumococcal vaccine, commonly known as the pneumonia shot, free of charge for a single dose, with some individuals qualifying for a second. For those seeking more information or to schedule an appointment, contacting a healthcare provider or the Thunder Bay District Health Unit directly is recommended, as they are currently booking appointments into January.
