Senior citizens' health is a key area of concern for everyone. These beloved ones ought to have their immunizations and vaccinations administered on schedule. The caregivers should keep track and schedule vaccination for seniors to protect them from infections. Below is a list of five vaccines that are important for the senior citizens in Long Beach.
1. Flu Vaccine for Senior Citizens
Flu is a virus that causes fever, headache, chills, and a stuffy nose. When it gets to the lungs, it can lead to serious health conditions such as pneumonia as the virus keeps on mutating over time, and annual vaccination is recommended. The flu vaccine is designed for people aged 65 years and above and is covered by health care insurance plans. It is locally available at the health departments in Avalon.
2. Shingles Vaccine for Senior Citizens
Shingles is a virus that affects the nerves and is associated with burning, tingling, and itching, as well as rashes with fluid-filled blisters. The shingles vaccine is administered to senior adults who have previously had chicken pox. The shingles vaccination remains effective for at least seven years.
It is locally available in Long Beach and Carson health departments and is covered by most health insurance plans.
3. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20)
This vaccine helps protect against bacteria that cause pneumonia among adults aged 65 years and above. The Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine comes in two doses: the PCV15 and PPSV23. A dose of PCV15 is usually followed by a dose of PPSV23.
Depending on other medical conditions and age, senior citizens who are administered PCV13 and PPSV23 require revaccination with PPSV23. Additionally, a one-time revaccination dose is administered to them after five years for the senior adults aged 65 years and above who are more at risk of increased meningitis.
4. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
Tdap is a vaccine recommended for adults who have not received a Tetanus vaccine in their last ten years. The vaccine is 95% effective in preventing tetanus and whooping cough and 70% effective in preventing pertussis. The vaccine is locally available at the health care facilities in Signal Hill. The senior citizens who may have received a Tdap vaccine at their earlier stage require a booster shot which is administered after ten years.
5. COVID–19 Vaccine
The Coronavirus tends to weaken the immunity of senior adults, and once infected, they end up in intensive care units at the hospitals. This is why health centers in Avalon prioritize vaccinations and immunizations for senior adults. The Long Beach Department of Health with support from the Long Beach city management hosts multiple opportunities for senior adults to get vaccinated.
The main types of COVID–19 vaccines administered in the weekly vaccinations are Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Senior citizens are eligible for the booster shot and can walk into the clinic with their identification documents and COVID–19 vaccination cards.
Why the Vaccinations and Immunizations?
Vaccines protect senior citizens from life-threatening diseases, making them a critical part of our everyday lives. It is also important to consult a doctor before vaccinating or immunizing seniors. Caregivers in Compton should always keep vaccination records for loved ones in their care.
For more information about specialized care for our senior citizens in Avalon, Carson, Signal Hill, Compton, and Long Beach, contact us at Senior Helpers.