As we age our immune system can weaken creating circumstances that make us more susceptible to illnesses. There are a number of ways to help keep our immune systems safe, one strategy is immunization.
A great deal of the information out there is regarding immunization for infants and children, and it comes with a lot of debate. Immunizations for older adults, however, does not have as much controversy and it helps to prevent some painful and serious illnesses.
“Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated,” said CDC Director Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH. “Make a plan now for you and your family to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall, ahead of the respiratory virus season.”
Common vaccines for older adults are COVID, Influenza, Shingles, RSV, and Pneumococcal. While Medicare (Part B or Part D) will cover most immunizations, it is always a good idea to check your specific Medicare plan to ensure that you understand the coverage available.
COVID
The most recent COVID-19 booster vaccine was released in September and the CDC recommends that anyone age 12 or older receive this new booster if it has been at least two months since their most recent COVID vaccine or three months since having had a COVID infection. This new vaccine has been reformulated to be more effective against the variants currently circulating. New boosters take roughly two weeks to be fully effective.
Influenza
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can be severe and life-threatening.
The flu shot is not just for frail older adults. Healthy people age 65 and over experience a weakening of the immune system and are more susceptible to getting the flu. If you are managing a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart disease, battling the flu can be even more dangerous as complications can arise. Flu combined with Pneumonia, which is a common acute condition among the aging population, is one of the top 10 leading causes of death for people aged 65 and over.
According to the CDC, the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. It is best to get the flu shot annually and as early in the season as possible. You can get a flu shot at your doctor’s office, at a clinic, or many of the pharmacies offer them as well.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus as chicken pox. Shingles can only be passed on to others prior to scabs forming from the blisters. Pain from shingles can linger long after the rash disappears.
The chicken pox virus lives dormant in the immune system and the weakening of the immune system can awaken the virus. One in three adults contracts shingle at some point in their life, most are 60 years or older. Shingles has serious side effects, like fever, exhaustion and loss of appetite. If you’ve had the chicken pox, or are unsure, you should talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses. RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses, usually peaking in December and January. RSV can cause severe illness such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs). One dose of RSV vaccine provides protection against RSV disease in adults ages 60 years and older for at least two years.
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal disease causes severe infections throughout the bloodstream and/or key organs. The conditions that result from pneumococcal are more commonly known, such as pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia. More than 18,000 people age 65 and over die each year from pneumococcal. Check with your doctor as to if and when you should get this vaccine.
In addition to the flu, pneumococcal, RSV, and shingles vaccines, older adults should consider a TDAP vaccine, which covers pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria and is recommended every 10 years. The final and oft repeated recommendation is to discuss vaccines with your doctor.