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Adults who are immunocompromised are more susceptible to vaccine preventable infections and therefore must follow a different set of vaccine guidelines to prevent serious health risks.
As every individual varies, you should always talk to your doctor or family physician (or nurse practitioner) to determine the best immunization schedule that suits your concerns and needs.
As a general rule, inactivated vaccines may generally be administered to most immunocompromised individuals, as there is no increased risk of vaccine-related adverse effects. On the other hand, live vaccines should only be given to less severely immunocompromised individuals, as the benefits of live vaccines typically outweigh the risks.
While it is typically safe for severely immunocompromised individuals to receive inactivated vaccines, they should discuss live vaccines with their healthcare provider, as there may be an increased risk of disease caused by the vaccine strain.
Individuals with underlying and chronic medical conditions are typically considered “at risk” as they are typically more susceptible to serious adverse effects from infections and diseases.
Conditions which classify an individual as being at risk may include: cancer, diabetes, lung disease, kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, dementia, stroke, and high blood pressure.
It is recommended that at risk adults follow an altered immunization schedule to ensure they receive maximum protection. It is important to discuss an immunization schedule with your healthcare provider.
Some of these recommendations may include:
| Vaccine | Dosage |
|---|---|
| IPV | 1 booster dose |
| MMR | 2nd dose |
| Pneumococcal | 1 dose + possible booster |
| Meningococcal | 2 doses + booster |
| Influenza | Annually |
| Varicella | 2 doses |
To determine which COVID-19 vaccination schedule you are eligible for based on your risk level, please speak with your healthcare professional or visit Canada public health services.