Immune systems typically deteriorate as we age. Because of this, elderly people are more likely to get conditions including pneumonia, shingles, and the influenza virus. Fortunately, some actions may be taken to strengthen a senior's immune system. Pumping up the immune system begins with seniors talking with their health care physician and includes flu vaccinations and the shingles vaccine.

Seniors also require vaccinations

Older individuals frequently aren't aware that they require immunizations, but youngsters generally follow a consistent immunization routine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccine-preventable diseases claim the lives of up to 70,000 individuals each year.

Urge them to inquire about the recommendations of the CDC when determining whether your senior's primary care physician should address the topic of vaccinations. There are many vaccinations that elders should be aware of:

Vaccination for influenza

For elderly people, the flu is more than simply a nuisance. It may be fatal. Seniors account for more than 50% of all flu-related hospital admissions and almost 90% of flu-related fatalities each year. The easiest approach to avoiding getting the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The vaccination may lessen the severity of symptoms if an older adult does contract the flu. The best time to get a flu vaccination is generally early October.

Vaccine for shingles

Shingles is a painful skin rash that can result from the chicken pox virus. It causes skin blisters that often heal for weeks or even months. The CDC revised its advice about the type of shingles vaccine that older people should get in 2017. They now advise Shingrix in place of the Zostavax® vaccination. For those over the age of 50, it is advised. In comparison to Zostavax®, Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles. Postherpetic neuralgia, a painful shingles consequence, is also prevented with Shingrix.

Pneumonia vaccine

Most older citizens are aware that pneumonia poses a significant risk to their health. Some people aren't aware of the immunization that can help avoid it. To further safeguard against sepsis (a bacterial infection of the blood), meningitis, and pneumonia, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices advises older persons to have two vaccinations spaced one year apart. First Prevnar 13® is usually given, and then Pneumovax®23 12 months later. It's crucial to remind the elderly citizens in your life of the fact that pneumonia claims the lives of about 50,000 seniors every year.

Booster for Tdap

Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis is known as Tdap. This one injection offers defense against all three diseases. Because pertussis, often known as whooping cough, may be fatal for newborns, it is crucial for older individuals who spend time around young children to know this.

Hepatitis A and B

Finally, tell your elderly family members to inquire about the hepatitis vaccine with their doctor. Seniors who have ongoing medical issues and those who often interact with huge crowds of people are frequently advised to do so.

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