According to Healthline, the immune system becomes less effective as we age, which makes us more susceptible to things like infections and diseases. Aging is a natural process of life, and we can't stop it, which means we can't stop our immune systems from declining.
However, there are ways to keep yours in the best shape possible, such as getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. Another way is to keep up with recommended vaccines for seniors.
If you're not clear on what the senior immunization schedule is in Dallas, TX, then keep reading. Here's a thorough adult vaccination guide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says that there are a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually. Not only are 3-5 million cases classified as severe illness, but it also causes 290,000 to 65,000 respiratory deaths annually. So while the flu may seem like a normal seasonal illness to have, it can be deadly, especially for seniors.
Part of preventative health for aging adults should be getting the flu vaccine. It's especially helpful for protecting yourself, especially if you have asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Ideally, you should get an annual flu shot, timed between September and October (before flu season peaks). Make sure to ask for the high-dose or adjuvanted formulation, as they produce a stronger immune response in seniors. This reduces your risk of:
While the pandemic is officially over, the virus is here to stay. Even though it's mutated to less deadly strains over the years, COVID-19 can still be a serious enough infection that it can cause severe illness and death in the elderly, especially if you have a compromised immune system.
Adults who are over 65 are advised to get the current season's COVID-19 boosters. These are reformulated yearly to protect against dominant variants.
For older adults, this is usually one or two doses, based on vaccine updates. You'll need at least one booster, although some seniors with certain health risks will need two that are spaced six months apart.
There are several pneumococcal vaccines available, but they all protect against the pneumococcal bacteria. This bacterium can cause:
As with most other illnesses, seniors are at a significantly higher risk of severe outcomes, so it's vital that you have your pneumococcal vaccine.
You have a few options; the first is a single dose of PCV20, which protects against 20 strains of pneumococcal bacteria. You won't need additional boosters.
The other option is to get the PCV15 jab. Then, at least a year after (or eight weeks if you're immunocompromised), you'll get the PPSV23 shot.
If you've had an older version of the vaccine (like PCV13), you should consult with your doctor about catch-up doses.
"RSV" stands for "respiratory syncytial virus," and if you catch it, it can cause severe respiratory illness, which can result in hospitalizations and death. You may also pass it on to your infant grandchildren, and it can be quite serious for them too.
The good news is that the RSV vaccine significantly lowers the risk of lung infections and other severe RSV outcomes.
You'll usually only need one dose of the shot (Arexvy or Abrysvo), as they're highly effective. These are usually given annually or biannually, depending on your health status.
Two of the most important jabs seniors can get are the flu and shingles vaccines. Shingles is caused by the same virus that gives you chicken pox, so if you've had this disease before, you're at risk for developing shingles. And the older you get, the higher the risk gets as well.
Shingles can cause a painful rash, which is already tough to deal with. But some patients deal with long-lasting nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) afterward, which isn't pleasant.
You should get two doses of Shingrix (the shingles vaccine), administered 2-6 months apart. It's highly effective and is better than the old Zostavax vaccine. It may even protect against dementia, which is good for memory care wellness.
The vaccines for the above illnesses are abbreviated as Tdap or Td. Tdap includes all three, while Td only protects against tetanus and diphtheria. These two are rare but serious infections, and pertussis is also known as whooping cough, which can be deadly for babies.
To protect yourself, your grandchildren, and the community, keep up with your Tdap/Td shots. If you've never had Tdap as an adult, then get one, then follow it up with a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.
Hepatitis B is a disease that can cause serious liver infections. Older adults who have diabetes, chronic liver disease, or other risk factors (like dialysis) are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes.
Fortunately, a one-time Hepatitis B vaccination can shield you from this disease. So if you haven't received one before, get one ASAP.
All the above information may be overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. Here's a quick checklist of what you should do:
If you want to minimize costs, then try Medicare, county clinics, or Safety Net.
Getting the recommended vaccines for seniors is essential if you want to take care of your health. The reality is that your immune system will decrease in efficiency as you get older, so you'll need all the extra help you can get.
If you have a compromised immune system or have other conditions to worry about, then don't be afraid to consult with your doctor. They'll be able to advise you on the best vaccines to get.
Contact us now to hear more about senior living in Dallas, TX. Caruth Haven Court has an award-winning Senior Chef who prepares meals from scratch.