AUGUST IS NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH

Vaccines are especially important for older adults. As you get older, your immune system weakens and it can be more difficult to fight off infections. You’re more likely to get diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles — and to have complications that can lead to long-term illness, and even hospitalization.

If you have an ongoing health condition — like diabetes or heart disease — getting vaccinated is especially important. Vaccines can protect you from serious diseases and related complications so you can stay healthy as you age.

It is recommended that all adults get an influenza vaccine each year to protect against seasonal flu. Some people are at high risk of serious flu complications and it is especially important these people get vaccinated. This includes adults 65 and older, and people with long-term medical conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes. Over 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older.

Additionally, almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Your risk of shingles increases as you grow older. Adults 50 years and older are recommended to receive the shingles vaccine.

Adults 65 and older are also recommended to receive both pneumococcal vaccines. Some adults younger than 65 years with certain conditions are also recommended to receive one or more pneumococcal vaccinations.  Adults may need other vaccines (such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B and HPV) depending on their age, occupation, travel, medical conditions, vaccinations they have already received or other considerations.

As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. This is why, in addition to seasonal flu vaccine and Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), you should also get these:

• Shingles vaccine, which protects against shingles and the complications from the disease (recommended for healthy adults 50 years and older)
• Pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against pneumococcal disease, including infections in the lungs and bloodstream (recommended for all adults over 65 years old, and for adults younger than 65 years who have certain chronic health conditions)

Medicare Part B covers vaccines that protect against the flu and pneumococcal disease — and the hepatitis B vaccine if you’re at increased risk for hepatitis B. It also covers vaccines that you might need after an injury (like the tetanus vaccine) or coming into contact with a disease (like the rabies vaccine).

Talk with your doctor or other healthcare professional to find out which vaccines are recommended for you at your next medical appointment. If you need help getting there, Visiting Angels can assist with transportation and a companion to accompany you. We can also take you to the pharmacy or grocery shopping after your appointment, and even help you run some errands. Homecare and companionship services provide help with the daily routine, housekeeping, medication and meals, as well as assistance with transportation around town.

For more info related to vaccines for adults 65 and over visit: https://www.vaccines.gov/who_and_when/adults/seniors/index.html

Till next time!

Irv Seldin, JD

Owner and CEO, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches