As we grow older, the immune system is likely to weaken and become less robust. This makes the body more vulnerable to the attack of various diseases and subsequently developing life-threatening consequences. Further, an existing health condition or chronic ailments like cardiac diseases or diabetes can lead to several complications including long-term illness, lifetime disabilities, hospitalization or even fatality!
Vaccines for seniors at home or older adults working outside are important due to the following reasons:
• Seniors may not have been vaccinated in their childhood.
• Newer vaccines are available.
• Natural immunity recedes with aging.
• Aged people are more susceptible to infections, especially in winter.
• Elders need protection from medical complications for healthy aging.
•Vaccines not only safeguard elders but also enhance family and community health thereby increasing public healthcare standards.
•Vaccines not only safeguard elders but also enhance family and community health thereby increasing public healthcare standards.
Important vaccines for Seniors
Elderly care at home should not only cater to nutritional, medicinal and daily living needs but also monitor and aid in suitable vaccination for better healthcare benefits. It is important for seniors to be immunized periodically. This must be done after consulting their physicians for taking due consideration of the prevailing medical conditions. Following the recommendations of the adult immunization schedule ensures that seniors do not miss any vaccines and keeps them updated with the latest information.
Popular vaccines recommended for seniors include
Influenza: A simple flu virus can cause a major health issue in seniors. Influenza or flu is a serious threat that could even cause substantial deaths. Therefore, health experts recommend the flu vaccination annually for most adults, and for those patients with underlying high-risk medical conditions. Each year, this vaccine is constituted for the most common viral strain that hinders exposure to the live virus.
Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap): This is a combination of vaccines for Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis which is normally given as a single injection. An increasing number of seniors are prone to pertussis, or a whooping cough due to fading immunity. So, irrespective of age, this vaccine is must be taken once a decade or after having an open wound which exposes the body to the tetanus virus.
Pneumococcal: Older adults are likely to contract and develop several health complications or even die from pneumonia (lung infection), bacteraemia (bloodstream infections) and meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord) caused by the dangerous pneumococcal virus. Those adults with chronic ailments face higher risks from this virus. There are two vaccines for preventing the invasive pneumococcal disease—PCV13 (Prevnar 13) and PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23). Seniors above 65 years of age must take both of these in a one-year interval with the PCV13 vaccine first.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a contagious virus that results in liver damage or death. Seniors with low infection resistance, hemophilia (genetic blood disorder), diabetics or end-stage renal disease are more susceptible to this virus. The Hepatitis-B vaccine can be taken in three or four doses over the duration of six months.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Shingles virus causes painful, blistering rashes and is in dormant in elders who had chickenpox in their childhood. The one-time Zoster vaccine prevents or minimizes this outbreak and is suggested for adults over fifty years of age. Seniors who have already got this skin infection must also get vaccinated for preventing future occurrences.
Get vaccinated NOW for healthier aging and promote public well-being!
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