Spring Vaccine Checklist: Are You and Your Family Up to Date?

Most of us think about vaccines in the fall — flu shot season — and then forget about immunizations entirely until a doctor's appointment reminds us. But spring is actually a perfect opportunity to review where you and your family stand. Schedules change, new vaccines become available, and many people fall behind without realizing it.

At Keating's Pharmacy, we're authorized to administer a wide range of vaccines right in the store. Here's a practical checklist to help you figure out what you might need.

The Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Yes, even in spring. While the peak window for flu vaccination is October through December, the flu season in Ontario can stretch into April — and getting vaccinated now still offers protection for late-season illness. More importantly, spring is a good time to mentally mark your calendar for the fall campaign and note whether anyone in your household missed their shot this past winter.

Children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease are especially encouraged to stay current each year.

The Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox and can cause a painful, debilitating rash — often followed by months or even years of nerve pain (called postherpetic neuralgia). The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 and over, including those who previously received the older Zostavax vaccine.

Shingrix is given in two doses, two to six months apart. It is over 90% effective at preventing shingles. Many people don't realize it requires two doses — so if you got your first shot more than six months ago and haven't had your second, now's the time.

Tetanus & Tdap Boosters

Tetanus boosters (Td) are recommended every 10 years for adults. Many people lose track of when they last had one. If you're not sure, your family doctor's records are the best source — but if you haven't seen a doctor recently, we'd suggest erring on the side of getting one if it's been more than 10 years.

A one-time Tdap booster (which also covers pertussis, or whooping cough) is recommended for adults who haven't had one. It's especially important for grandparents and caregivers of newborns, since babies can't be vaccinated against pertussis until they're two months old.

Travel Vaccines

If you're planning a trip this summer — whether to Mexico, Europe, Southeast Asia, or anywhere else — spring is the ideal time to look into travel vaccines. Some vaccines (like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and typhoid) require multiple doses spread weeks apart, so leaving it until the week before you fly isn't an option.

Common travel vaccines we can help with or refer you for include:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid fever
• Meningococcal disease
• Yellow fever (requires a certified travel clinic — we can help direct you)
• COVID-19 boosters for travel requirements

Stop in and tell us where you're going — we can walk you through what's recommended for your destination.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal vaccines protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. They're recommended for all adults 65 and older, and for younger adults with certain chronic conditions. There are two versions (Prevnar 20 and Pneumovax 23), and the recommended schedule depends on your health history and whether you've had any previous doses. Your pharmacist can help you figure out where you stand.

COVID-19 Boosters

Updated COVID-19 boosters continue to be recommended, particularly for older adults and those with immune-compromising conditions. Recommendations evolve, so it's worth checking current Ontario guidance — or simply asking us. We always have the most current information on availability and eligibility.

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How to Get Vaccinated at Keating's Pharmacy

You don't need an appointment for most vaccines at our store. Simply walk in during our regular hours, let us know what you're looking for, and we'll confirm eligibility and get you taken care of. We'll also provide you with a record of administration you can share with your family doctor.

If you're unsure what you need, bring in any immunization records you have or just come and talk to us. Reviewing your history takes only a few minutes, and we're happy to help you build a plan.