Annual Vaccines: What PA Seniors Need to Know
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). It’s an ideal time to talk about annual vaccines and the protection they offer—especially for adults over 65 years of age. Here’s what older adults need to know:
Vaccines are a familiar part of our healthcare from the time we are young children through adulthood. Staying up-to-date on vaccines is increasingly important as we age. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, older adults are, “more likely to get diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles — and to have complications that can lead to long-term illness, hospitalization, and even death.” Also, catching an infection like pneumonia or the flu can be particularly serious for anyone who has a chronic health condition like heart disease or diabetes.
Vaccine Recommendations from the PA Department of Aging:
Here are the vaccines that the Pennsylvania Department of Aging recommends for adults older than 65:
Seasonal Flu (Influenza)
The flu can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and even death, especially in people aged 65 and older. According to the American Medical Association (AMA), the flu shot reduces flu risk by as much as 60%. Its effectiveness varies from year to year based on which strains of the flu are circulating. In an interview for the AMA website, Dr. Kate Kirley, the organization’s Director of Chronic Disease Prevention, points out that, “Even when the vaccine is only 30% effective at preventing flu, that is still very meaningful and crucial for preventing hospitalizations and deaths.” Getting an annual flu shot is the best way to protect yourself against the flu and its complications. (SOURCE: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/8-things-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-flu-shots )
Pneumonia (pneumococcal)
Pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, can be severe and life-threatening for older adults. This is especially true for those who have a chronic condition, such as diabetes or COPD, says the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Since pneumonia is spread through person-to-person contact, when you get vaccinated you protect others along with yourself. There are several vaccine varieties that will protect you against pneumococcal disease. Your doctor can advise you about which one is right for you. This article from the AAFP offers a wealth of information for seniors about the pneumococcal vaccine: https://familydoctor.org/pneumococcal-vaccines-for-seniors/
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap or Td)
These three diseases are caused by bacterial infections. Tetanus, which is sometimes called “lockjaw,” causes muscle pain and stiffness that can make it difficult to open your mouth or swallow. Diptheria can lead to heart problems and difficulty breathing. Pertussis, also called “Whooping Cough,” causes violent coughing and can lead to weight loss, loss of bladder control, and other serious problems for adults. According to Kathleen Cameron, Senior Director of the National Council on Aging’s Center for Healthy Aging, “The Tdap vaccination is an essential part of preventive health care for older adults. By getting vaccinated, older adults significantly reduce their risk of contracting these serious diseases, and they help protect others.” [SOURCE: https://www.ncoa.org/article/tdap-vaccine-what-older-adults-need-to-know ]
Shingles (Zoster)
Shingles is outbreak of the chickenpox (varicella-zoster) virus. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have had chickenpox, “the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life” [SOURCE: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054] and it can reactivate at any time. Shingles causes a painful rash. It can also cause complications like long-term nerve pain. Older people are at greater risk of complications. The shingles vaccine is highly effective at preventing both the disease and its complications.
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe respiratory illness. In seniors it can lead to serious health problems, hospitalization, and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.” The CDC recommends that people over 65 get an additional dose “at least four months after their initial updated dose.” For the CDC’s latest recommendations about COVID-19 vaccination, click here: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html
According to the CDC, “people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have a lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated” or who did not receive all recommended doses.
Schedule an Appointment with Your Doctor About Annual Vaccines
Before you get any vaccinations be sure to check with your doctor. This is especially important if you haven’t been vaccinated for some time or if your health status has changed since your last round of vaccines. Your doctor may have specific recommendations about vaccines based on your health status and any treatment you are receiving. Your doctor can also provide additional information to help you make an informed decision about vaccines and their benefits versus possible risks.
JEVS Care at Home is committed to helping seniors and adults with disabilities live full and independent lives at home. For more information on the support we provide, contact us today: Learn More – JEVS Human Services
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