Vaccines are an effective tool for preventing illness outbreaks and subsequent death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 25 effective and safe vaccines to prevent diseases and protect our health throughout our lives. While many people associate vaccines with infants, there are many recommended vaccines for seniors.
Some diseases pose a greater risk and can be more severe for older adults. On top of that, the elderly may have underlying health conditions that can make them vulnerable to complications from illnesses that are preventable by vaccines. Vaccines help reduce the risk of hospitalization and even death from these diseases.
What's great about living in Lewisville, TX, is that not only are you surrounded by amazing scenery, but you also have access to quality healthcare. This blog will talk about an adult immunization guide to reference to ensure your health and that of your loved ones is protected. We'll go over when seniors should receive these vaccines and how often.
As we get older, our immune systems don't respond as well as they used to. Getting the recommended vaccines for seniors, including boosters, helps protect our aging bodies from infectious diseases.
While children and infants have vaccine requirements for various activities, like attending school, there aren't the same requirements for older adults. As a result, there's less incentive for seniors to get vaccinated. Many seniors also face mobility issues that make it challenging for them to leave the house for vaccination appointments.
Let's go over some of the recommended vaccines for seniors. Be sure to speak with your healthcare provider about which vaccines they think you should get.
The flu is a common virus that can cause serious complications if it reaches your lungs. A few of the side effects it can result in include:
Unfortunately, the flu can be easily passed around. The flu virus changes yearly, which means you can get it multiple times. Older adults are more at risk of developing major complications from the flu, including contracting pneumonia.
It's recommended to get a new flu vaccine each year for flu and pneumonia prevention. Getting a flu vaccine is especially important if you have a chronic health condition, like:
Seniors should aim to get their flu vaccine by the end of October so they're protected when flu season starts. It takes around two weeks for the vaccine to become effective.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that can cause cold-like symptoms. Seniors are at a higher risk of developing serious side effects if they get RSV, especially if they have a weakened immune system or a chronic health condition.
Adults older than 60 can get the RSV vaccine to protect against this illness. Most people get infected with RSV during the fall and winter. While you can benefit from the vaccine at any time, it's best to get it right before the season starts.
Pneumococcal disease is an infection that can cause pneumonia in a person's lungs and other areas of their body. Seniors are more at risk of getting infected with this disease and dying.
It's recommended that adults over 50 get the pneumococcal vaccine. Keep in mind that there is more than one type of vaccine to get. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which is the best option for you.
Pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus are bacterial diseases that can result in illness and even death. Some things to know about these infections are:
Getting vaccinated against all three diseases is the best way to prevent them. Many people get vaccinated when they're young. However, you'll need to get boosters as you get older to ensure you stay protected.
Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus. The virus is still in your body even if you've had chickenpox. It becomes more active the older you get and can cause shingles.
Shingles is different than chickenpox as it affects your nerves. Common symptoms of shingles include:
Infected people can also get a rash comprised of fluid-filled blisters. The pain can remain even when the rash goes away.
The shingles vaccine can reduce your risk of getting infected. Adults over 50 should get the vaccine that's given in two doses.
You should get vaccinated even if you've already had the chickenpox vaccine or chickenpox itself. It's not recommended to get vaccinated if you have shingles or are sick.
Older adults are more susceptible to getting COVID-19 than younger people. Some of the symptoms of this illness include:
The COVID-19 vaccine can reduce seniors' risk of getting the illness. There are still studies being done on the effectiveness of the vaccine. It is recommended to get a booster shot yearly at the same time as your flu shot.
You should connect with your healthcare provider if you're planning on visiting other countries. There are recommended and required vaccines based on your:
In some cases, you may need multiple doses or vaccines before you can leave. It's recommended to get these vaccines four to six weeks before your departure. This ensures that your body has time to build immunity against the diseases, especially if you're getting a vaccine with more than one dose.
Create a senior vaccine checklist to ensure you get the recommended vaccines for seniors. Be proactive about your health and reduce your risk of getting infected with vaccine-preventable diseases. Scheduling routine doctor's appointments allows you to talk with your provider about health tips for seniors.
At Discovery Village Castle Hills, we put our residents' assisted living wellness at the forefront. We work with our residents to create personalized treatment plans and get them connected with the best healthcare professionals in the area. Contact our office to schedule a tour of our community.