As autumn approaches, it’s time to make sure you’re protected against common fall illnesses. This is especially important for your senior family members, who may very well be immunocompromised. Doctors and qualified assisted living staff members can help you decide what steps to take to protect your loved ones’ health. In addition, make sure to ask about safe and beneficial vaccines for your senior family members.
Vaccines for the Elderly
Your senior family members should make sure to receive the proper immunizations and vaccinations every year to keep from getting sick, especially if they already have a weakened immune system as many senior citizens do. While a doctor can recommend a more detailed list, here are the 5 most important shots to ask about:
The CDC advises seniors to receive two separate pneumonia vaccines: the Prevnar 13 and the Pneumovax 23. Working in tandem, these two shots provide protection against 36 strains of pneumonia for a broad range of defense. Pneumonia is a very dangerous disease for the elderly. Ensuring that your loved ones are protected is a crucial step toward health.
The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, Diptheria, and pertussis in a single shot. This inoculation is generally recommended every ten years, particularly for anyone who has been exposed to tetanus.
Pro Tip: If your elderly loved one has recently suffered a deep cut or scratch, especially if it happened outdoors, talk to a doctor immediately about tetanus treatment. The virus thrives in dirty outdoor environments.
Chickenpox is a painful and potentially dangerous disease for any elderly patient to contract, making vaccination crucial. However, this particular vaccine may not be safe for certain immunocompromised patients, such as cancer patients or anyone taking certain prescription medications. Always consult with a specialized doctor before scheduling a chickenpox vaccine for your senior family members.
Many people may believe they’re safe from chickenpox if they had it as a child and recovered. However, the truth is that the chickenpox virus can lay dormant in your body for years and resurface later in life as shingles, also known as herpes zoster, a painful rash that can lead to a variety of severe health problems. The medical community has developed a separate vaccine for shingles to decrease its chances of appearing and make any cases easier to handle. When making a decision about the chickenpox vaccine, ask your loved one’s doctor about shingles inoculation as well.
The flu is an unpleasant sickness for anyone, and a potentially dangerous illness for the elderly. Fortunately, given the widespread problems with flu season every year, doctors work hard to develop a new vaccine every year to combat the new strain of the flu virus. Ask about a specially formulated senior shot when it’s time to schedule vaccines.
Disease Prevention for the Elderly
In addition to leading a healthy lifestyle, your senior loved ones can protect their own health by ensuring they receive the proper immunization shots to prevent disease. Make sure to consult with a doctor to determine the best vaccine regimen for your family members’ ultimate health.
Connect with us to learn more about encouraging your loved ones to stay healthy and promote their own wellness.