The Importance of Vaccination for Senior Adults

Senior adults are more likely to contract illnesses such as flu or pneumonia due to their weakening immune systems. Vaccination is highly recommended even for adults to avoid contracting and spreading chronic diseases or conditions. Prestige Home Health Care in Worcester, Massachusetts understands the importance of vaccination for senior adults. Home health care includes ensuring our patients the best state of their health. Our home health care in Worcester, Massachusetts is aware that as you get older, you may be at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases due to your age, job, travel, or health conditions, which is why we have listed some important vaccinations for senior adults:

1. Flu Vaccine– most are not aware that the flu is deadliest among seniors aged 65 and up. It is advisable to get flu shots annually to protect against the seasonal flu. The high-dose flu vaccination is recommended for senior adults to offer more protection and avoid exposure to the live virus.
2. Pneumonia Vaccine – adults aged 65 and older should get the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine or PPSV which protects them against the most common strains of pneumonia-causing bacteria.
3. Zoster Vaccine – Shingles is very severe and common to senior adults who have compromised immune systems. Shingles can cause fever, skin rashes, hearing and vision problems, etc.
4. Chickenpox – if you haven’t had chickenpox as a child, it is vital that you get a 2-dose shot regimen unless you have cancer, immune system deficiencies or taking medication that inhibit the immune system. Best to consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.
5. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis – this is usually given as a single shot commonly known as TDP. A tetanus shot is recommended since exposure to the virus causing tetanus can be fatal. A tetanus booster is immediately recommended after you get a severe cut, puncture wound, or burn even if you’ve previously had a tetanus shot.

These are just a few vaccines needed for senior adults. However, factors such as age, job, health condition, genetics, lifestyle, etc. may require you to get other vaccinations such as:

• Human Papillomavirus
• Measles/Mumps/Rubella or MMR
• Hepatitis A and B
• Meningoccocal Disease
• Pneumococcal Disease

Staying healthy is everyone’s priority which is why constantly being updated with our vaccinations is important. Several preventable diseases cause significant illness and even death in unvaccinated seniors. An estimated 45,000 adults die annually from complications due to vaccine-preventable diseases. This number is very alarming which is why Prestige Home Health Care in Worcester, Massachusetts supports vaccination for senior adults. Of course, before making an appointment to get vaccinated, consult with your doctor and make sure your decision will definitely benefit your health. Preventing disease and living a healthy lifestyle is important especially if you decide to age gracefully and comfortably in place.