August is National Immunization Awareness Month.
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.
Four common vaccines for older adults are Influenza, Shingles, Pneumococcal, and COVID-19. 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.
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 Center for Disease Control (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.
The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) has been used since 2017 to prevent shingles and is a two-dose vaccine. Persons who received the Zostavax shingles vaccine prior to the availability of RZV should discuss with their physician if and when to receive an RZV vaccine.
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 to discuss whether you should get this vaccine.
COVID-19
The CDC tells us people who are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines have lower risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated or who have not received all doses recommended for the specific vaccine and personal health conditions. Additional updated COVID-19 vaccine doses can help restore protection that has decreased since previous vaccination.
In addition to the flu, pneumococcal, shingles, and COVID-19 vaccines, older adults should consider a pertussis (whooping cough) if they are in contact with very young children. And, don’t forget to have your tetanus shot updated at least every ten years. The final and oft repeated recommendation is to discuss all vaccines and your personal health situation with your doctor.