Did You Know?

Why Vaccines are Important for Seniors

There are many confusing aspects of healthcare but fortunately vaccines for seniors is one area that is clear. This information will hopefully assist seniors in their decision to be vaccinated and improve their ability to fight disease, illness and death.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) have a schedule for adults that clearly indicates which vaccines are recommended for adults. In addition to that, speaking with your healthcare provider can give you more individualized information considering your own health concerns.

As a Nurse Practitioner, many patients complain of the side effects of vaccines. These complaints are primarily concerned with the pain at the injection site, achiness, and a general feeling of being ill following vaccination. It may seem counter-intuitive, but generally these signs are good news! This means that your body is working to make antibodies for the illness that you are trying to prevent. In other words, your immune system is gearing up to protect you!

Some vaccines are required to be taken annually or even more often. This is true with influenza and COVID – 19. The reasons for this are twofold:

1. Influenza has many strains and each year different strains are more prevalent

2. COVID-19 is a rapidly changing virus and has mutated multiple times

When this happens, it is necessary to update the vaccine so it can protect you.

When vaccines were first developed (smallpox), the purpose of their development was to decrease the incidence of death and severe illness. It was not intended to totally prevent disease. That continues to be the goal of vaccines.

Which Vaccines Do I Need?

Always consult your primary care doctor when verifying your vaccine work – they will have the most accurate information pertaining to your unique care. For a quick reference however, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for adults aged 65 years and older:

1. COVID-19: At least 2 doses of the current COVID-19 vaccine.

2. Influenza (Flu): 1 dose annually, preferably high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines.

3. Pneumococcal: 1 dose of PCV15 or PCV20, followed by PPSV23.

4. Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap or Td): 1 dose of Tdap, then Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.

5. Shingles (Zoster recombinant): 2 doses.

6. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): 1 dose, especially for those aged 75 years or older.

7. Hepatitis B: 2, 3, or 4 doses depending on the vaccine.

8. Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 1 or 2 doses depending on indication.

9. Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses if not previously vaccinated.

Staying protected against serious illnesses is as easy as going to your local pharmacy or doctor’s office to get the appropriate vaccines for your age. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor to get personalized information for your health needs.

Getting vaccinated can help you stay healthy and well as you age – it’s that simple!