Vaccinations: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Vital Role During Old Age

 The power of science is massive that you can prep your immune cells to win over foreign bodies and diseases that may arise in the future. The special agents employed for this role are called Vaccines. The burden of disease augments with age-related deterioration in the immune system which in turn increases susceptibility to infections and related comorbidities. Senior adults affected with infectious diseases are in turn prone to non-communicable diseases like hypertension, arrhythmia, stroke, diabetes, coronary artery disease, myocardial infection, dyslipidemia, and more. Hence, considering vaccinations for seniors immunise them and takes the responsibility of reducing the overall risk.

Vital Vaccine Shots for Seniors

According to the Global Burden of Disease Project, approximately 30% of the disease burden in India is from infectious diseases. Older individuals are highly susceptible to infections like tetanus, pneumonia, hepatitis, flu, herpes zoster, and COVID-19.

Influenza Vaccine: The influenza virus can affect populations of all ages but causes an increased risk of complications in the elderly.  Safe influenza vaccines are available in India to fight against the virus. The influenza vaccine for seniors extends reasonable protection by ameliorating the disease severity, complications and incidence of death. A yearly shot of influenza vaccination is advised for seniors by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

COVID-19 Vaccine: The pandemic days of coronavirus explains the importance of getting vaccinated against it. Research claims the vaccine to be safe and effective among older adults. The seniors are recommended to take the booster shots at the right time for effective immunisation.

Tetanus-Diphtheria Vaccine: Elders report a higher incidence of tetanus infection than young adults and children. A higher occurrence of injury and reduced immunity together could be the reason behind this. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests senior adults take booster shots of Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccine every 10 years. For people who have never been given tetanus vaccinations earlier, it is suggested to start with a series of 3 doses, followed by a booster dose once in ten years. It is always important to first consult your physician before vaccinating. 

Pertussis Vaccine: Pertussis is a communicable disease that causes whooping cough. The vaccine is commonly available as a component of the Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine. Like the Td vaccine, booster doses of Tdap (Tetanus-diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine are also recommended to be received once in 10 years. 

Pneumococcal Vaccine: An Indian study revealed that there was a 2.5 times increase in death in adults aged above 50 years. Another study found that the Salmonella pneumoniae bacteria is frequently linked with community-acquired acute bacterial meningitis in the senior population. The CDC recommends individuals above the age of 65 get vaccinated against pneumococcal infection. For those at a higher risk of acquiring the infection (like those with HIV, lymphoma, leukaemia, immunoglobulin deficiency, and more), revaccination is suggested 6 years post the 1st dose. The Geriatric Society of India recommends that adults above the age of 50 can consider both PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) and PPSV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine).

Hepatitis Vaccine: The hepatitis B virus can affect the liver causing cirrhosis and liver cancer. The hepatitis vaccine for seniors should be taken only after consulting their physician. 

Herpes Vaccine: Herpes zoster or shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chicken pox virus. With herpes, people tend to develop post-herpetic neuralgia (burning pain in the skin) which is directly linked with an increase in age. It is safe for older adults to receive the vaccine as it helps to reduce the incidence of infection and morbidity.

Before Planning Your Travel Itinerary

Different countries set different vaccines mandatory for tourists. So it is essential to consult a travel health professional and discuss the vaccination shots to be received based on your destination. Some vaccines need multiple doses, hence plan to get yourself vaccinated at least four to six weeks before travel. This allows time to build your immunity and provides effective protection. 

Safety and Side Effects: Vaccines are extremely safe as it provides protection against several life-threatening conditions. Senior adults can prepare their immune cells against infectious diseases by immunising themselves. The side effects caused are generally mild. Swelling, redness, and pain might be observed in the area of vaccine administration. Mild fever, chills, headache, tiredness, joint pain, and muscle ache are some of the side effects reported. It is crucial to consult your healthcare professional to treat these side effects and self-medication should be avoided at all times.

Consulting Your Physician: It is always advisable to consult your physician and discuss the vaccines you will need and the duration of booster shots. Older adults with comorbidities should avoid taking vaccine shots without consulting the doctor. Consider home doctor visits to keep track of the vaccine schedule for elders who are unable to step out.

The Bottom Line

Preventive care is the best gift an elderly could receive. However, it is the most neglected type of care. A myriad of benefits can be availed by getting senior adults immunised against diseases. Ironically, due to different reasons, India does not have a mandatory vaccination schedule for the elderly population. Keeping our elders aware of the importance of vaccines and assisting them to get their shots is the best way to keep them protected. Athulya Homecare takes away the worry of taking seniors to hospitals or healthcare centres to administer vaccines. Experts come to your homes to administer the required vaccine and help in scheduling booster doses. Visit Athulya Home HealthCare to learn more details.