3 Immunizations and Vaccines That Are Important for Senior Adults
As you age, it's vital to ensure you are up-to-date on your immunizations and vaccines. Your immune system changes as you get older, making you more susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases. Imagine how many new things you've been exposed to since childhood! It's essential to protect yourself against these unknown risks by getting immunized, especially the seniors. Senior Helpers Whittier-Downey is here to help.
The Importance of Immunizations and Vaccines for Seniors
Vaccination information online can be misleading and untrue. In a recent study by AAR survey that used approximately 1000 adults, only 43 percent are said to be confident of the viability and information of vaccines. It is important to desensitize and educate our senior adults on the importance of vaccination. The major challenge in and around senior adults' vaccination is the lack of information with a false narrative that vaccination is only for children. The truth is that there are 15 diseases senior adults (65 and above) can be vaccinated against and that vaccination is essential for all ages. These benefits include:
1. They help protect against severe and sometimes deadly diseases
Vaccines help protect you from serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions. They work by causing your body to produce antibodies, which are vital proteins that fight off infections.
2. They help prevent hospitalizations:
Vaccines not only protect you from getting sick, but they can also reduce your risk of having to go to the hospital due to health complications from the virus.
3. They help you save money
In addition to preventing illness and protecting your health, vaccines can also save you money. Immunizations can help you avoid costly doctor's visits, hospitalizations, and missed days at work or school.
Immunizations and Vaccines That Are Important for Senior Adults from Senior Helpers Whittier-Downey
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
This vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal disease, which is a serious infection of the lungs and blood. It is recommended for all adults 65 years of age and older. According to the CDC, adults 65 years and older should get PPSV23 first, followed by the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) at least one year later. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should be administered after every five years.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
This vaccine offers immunity from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). If you're 65 or older, you should get the Tdap vaccine once, followed by tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster shot every ten years. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all adults receive tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines if they have not received them before.
Conclusion
Your health is essential at every stage of life. As you age, it's crucial to ensure you are up-to-date on your immunizations and vaccines. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine are two necessary vaccines that seniors should receive or continue to receive. These vaccines help protect against serious and sometimes deadly diseases and can also help prevent hospitalizations. Contact us, Senior Helpers Whittier-Downey, today to learn more about the importance of immunizations and vaccines for seniors. Now is the time to take charge of your health!