Did you know that seniors are more likely to receive vaccines, according to a report by KFF Health News? As a demographic that is more at risk for contracting diseases and developing complications, older folks must stay informed and up-to-date with proper immunizations.
The vaccines recommended for seniors depend on factors like preexisting conditions, age, and other details. In this article, we will cover which vaccines seniors in Greer, SC, should consider, along with the benefits of vaccines and how seniors can prepare.
Let's explore further.
Although there isn't a hard and fast vaccine requirement for seniors, there are still some key immunizations to consider, depending on your specific situation:
Although the chickenpox vaccine became available to the public in 1995, many of today's seniors already suffered from the virus as children. If you contracted chickenpox in childhood, you should strongly consider obtaining the shingles vaccination.
After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains in your body in a dormant state. However, this virus can transform into shingles, which is a painful condition that commonly afflicts older folks.
Some of the symptoms of shingles include:
The shingles vaccination is over 90% effective at preventing shingles in adults aged 50 years or older. It requires two doses, two to six months apart.
A third of people in the United States will have shingles in their lifetime, according to the CDC, and that risk increases as you grow older. Therefore, it is extremely important for seniors who have suffered from the chickenpox virus as children to get vaccinated.
Although the influenza virus usually is not deadly in lower-risk populations, it presents a different scenario for seniors. Seniors are considered a high-risk group for viruses such as influenza, meaning they are more prone to:
Influenza cases tend to swell around autumn and are at their peak during the winter months. Signs and symptoms of influenza include:
The flu vaccine is a staple of senior healthcare. There is a new vaccine produced annually based on research and the prediction of experts for what kind of strain will dominate during the following flu season.
Although the flu vaccine for seniors may not prevent them from contracting the flu, it can certainly reduce the severity of symptoms should they become sick with the virus. It also offers some degree of protection from initially getting the flu if you are exposed.
Similar to the flu shot, the annual COVID-19 booster aims to reduce the severity of the disease. It is based on a moving target, using data from the latest strains of the virus to develop a booster that can effectively tackle the coronavirus.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely based on individual experience and the strain of the virus. Typically, they include:
Though coronavirus is substantially milder than when the pandemic began, receiving an annual or semiannual booster provides tangible benefits, such as:
Vaccines do not just benefit babies and young children; they can also provide substantial advantages to seniors. Here are some of the key advantages of immunizations for older folks.
Receiving regular vaccine boosters can act as a powerful component of preventive care for seniors. The best-case scenario is to avoid contracting viruses and infections, and vaccines are a tool and a barrier to help with this task.
Not everyone can get vaccinated. For example, people who are allergic to vaccine ingredients or those undergoing immunosuppressive treatment often cannot receive essential immunizations. Here, herd immunity becomes crucial.
Herd immunity means that enough of the population is vaccinated to act as a barrier, preventing vulnerable populations from getting sick. However, herd immunity only works if enough people consciously choose to get vaccinated.
Preventable diseases such as measles are highly contagious.The CDC reports that when one person is infected, an estimated nine to ten people around them will become infected as well.
Being properly vaccinated can help stop the spread of the disease. When enough people are vaccinated, the virus will have nowhere to go and will eventually die out before finding another host to infect.
Some vaccines may not completely prevent illness but can reduce symptom severity and hospitalizations. For hospitals and clinics that are already short-staffed, this can mean the difference between effectively treating a patient and forcing them to wait hours to see a healthcare provider.
Fewer hospitalizations from preventable illnesses mean more beds are available for patients who have been in serious accidents or need immediate care.
Illness shouldn't define your senior years. After working towards retirement for decades, the last thing you need is to be confined to your assisted living community, constantly recovering from the flu or another viral infection.
Vaccines improve the quality of life for seniors. By maintaining an adequate immunization schedule, you will:
Are you still wondering about vaccines recommended for seniors? With this guide, along with a discussion with your medical team, you can determine the appropriate senior immunization schedule for your needs.
At Terrabella Thornblade, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents. Our dedicated staff focuses on providing an enriching community with exclusive programs such as chef-prepared dining and plenty of activities.
Would you like more elder health tips in Greer, SC? Consider joining our beautiful community. Contact us today to learn more about Terrabella Thornblade, or visit us in person to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!