Just last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognized the month of September as Healthy Aging Month in order to raise national attention on the health and well-being of older adults. The focus is aimed at supporting efforts to help older adults stay healthy and independent as they age. Part of this mission is to inform and encourage staying up-to-date on vaccines and flu shots.
As we enter peak flu season yet again, we thought it would be a good time to remind our readers of the reasons why vaccines aren’t just for infants and toddlers as well as why they still play a key role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle even as we age.
Read on to understand why immunizations are critical in older adults and which ones you may want to discuss with your primary care physician.
Why Vaccinations Are Vital for Older Adults
According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and the Alliance for Aging Research (AAR), older adults, in coordination with their doctor, should prioritize vaccinations for many important reasons. One of the top reasons they cite is that “as we age, our immune systems don’t respond as well so it is important that we stay up to date with recommended vaccines, including boosters for enhanced protection.”
Additionally, there are several vaccine-preventable diseases that are particularly prevalent and serious in older adults. These include shingles, pneumonia, and influenza (the flu) as well as bacterial diseases such as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Many adults are quick to point out that they have already received immunizations for the latter three on that list as a child. The CDC recommends that adults get a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years. Please consult with your doctor to determine if you are eligible for your next dose.
Which Vaccines Should Older Adults Consider?
Before scheduling any vaccines, please consult with your doctor. Use this list as a guide for your conversation to determine which are most suited for your medical history and lifestyle.
Influenza
Every year millions of people catch the influenza virus or the flu. This virus can cause fever, chills, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and muscle aches. Older adults are at a higher risk for developing serious complications from the flu including hospitalizations.
Using an estimation model, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the flu has resulted in between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations each year. Prevention or lessening of the symptoms can be possible through a yearly flu shot.
Shingles
If you had chickenpox as a child, you still have the dormant Shingles virus in your system, which could result in acquiring it as an older adult. Common symptoms include burning, shooting pain, tingling, and/or itching, as well as a rash with fluid-filled blisters. Talk to your health care provider about whether you are eligible for the two-shot series to prevent Shingles.
Pneumonia
Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection that spreads from person to person by air.
The CDC recommends that all adults age 65 and older get pneumococcal vaccination as people over this age are at a higher risk of getting very sick from the disease.
Covid-19
The respiratory disease that spreads quickly and has upended our lives for the past two years causing symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, has disproportionately impacted older Americans more than their younger counterparts.
Covid-19 vaccines and boosters are currently available to help lessen symptoms and reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Talk to your health care provider about what is right for you.