Adult immunization in Saskatchewan: what's free, what's not
Professional review pending Immunization
Tdap every 10 years, two MMR doses if born since 1970, pneumococcal and high-dose flu at 65, and free flu and COVID shots every fall. Shingles vaccine is the one worth budgeting for.
Vaccination doesn't end in childhood; the adult schedule just gets less publicity. Here is Saskatchewan's, with the funding fine print that determines what you'll actually pay.
Funded (free) for adults
- Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis): every 10 years for adults 18 and over, and in every pregnancy to protect the newborn from whooping cough.
- MMR (measles-mumps-rubella): adults born since January 1, 1970 should have 2 documented doses. Born before 1970, you're generally considered immune.
- HPV-9: publicly funded up to age 26 (plus the school program in Grade 6).
- Pneumococcal: a funded dose at 65+ if you've never had one.
- Influenza: free every year for everyone 6 months and older; adults 65+ get the high-dose version. Fall clinics typically open mid-October.
- COVID-19: free, offered alongside flu each fall; spring and summer doses are limited to higher-risk groups.
The notable gap: shingles
Shingrix is recommended for adults 50+ (2 doses) but not publicly funded in Saskatchewan as of 2026. It runs roughly $130 to $160 per dose by prescription through a pharmacy; some private insurance covers it, and NIHB covers eligible First Nations and Inuit clients 60+. Given how miserable shingles is, it's one of the better health purchases available.
Acting on this in Regina
Saskatchewan pharmacists can administer most routine adult vaccines, and pharmacies are the easiest door for flu and COVID shots each fall (find a participating one at 4flu.ca); many physician and nurse practitioner offices also carry the funded vaccines. Unsure what you're due for? Ask a pharmacist to walk your record with you; they can check the provincial immunization registry.
- Drafted
- 2026-07-19 from the cited public sources
- Review
- awaiting a licensed reviewer in the relevant discipline
- Next review due
- 2027-07-19
- Standard
- General education only, never individual medical advice. See our editorial standard.