As flu season approaches, health experts emphasize the importance of vaccinations for older adults. Individuals aged 60 and older are particularly vulnerable to serious illnesses, making it critical to stay current with their immunizations. Dr. Chris Vercammen, a general internist and medical director at Remo Health, highlights the necessity of a proactive vaccination schedule to safeguard against severe health complications.
Key Vaccines for Older Adults
According to Dr. Grant Fowler, chair of family medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, several vaccines are essential for individuals over 60. These include:
– **Flu vaccine**: Recognized as the “No. 1 most important vaccine” for everyone over six months, the flu vaccine is especially crucial for those over 50. Fowler notes that the previous flu season saw a drop in vaccination rates, leading to approximately **27,000 deaths**, predominantly among those aged 65 and older. He advises that the flu vaccine should be administered annually, ideally by the end of October. For patients over 65, Vercammen recommends high-dose or adjuvanted versions, which are designed to elicit a stronger immune response.
– **COVID-19 vaccine**: While the impact of COVID-19 has decreased, it remains a significant health threat. Vercammen emphasizes the importance of staying updated with vaccinations to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and potential long-term complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends two doses of the latest COVID-19 vaccine for individuals over 65, spaced six months apart, especially for those with existing risk factors.
– **TDAP vaccine**: Administered every ten years, the TDAP vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). With recent increases in pertussis cases, Fowler points out that this vaccine is vital not only for older adults but also for protecting young children, particularly those under three months old.
– **RSV vaccine**: This relatively new vaccine is advised for individuals over 75 or those over 50 with underlying health conditions such as COPD, asthma, or diabetes. Vercammen warns that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to severe respiratory illness in older adults, and he suggests discussing the vaccine with a healthcare provider as early as age 60.
– **Pneumococcal vaccines**: Vercammen strongly advocates for pneumococcal vaccines among those aged 65 and older, as they protect against life-threatening diseases caused by the bacterium *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, including pneumonia and meningitis.
– **Shingles vaccine**: The shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, is recommended for anyone over 50. Vercammen explains that shingles can cause significant pain and complications, and Shingrix is highly effective in preventing the virus and its associated issues.
Additional Health Practices for Older Adults
In addition to vaccinations, maintaining overall health is crucial for older adults. Experts recommend several practices to enhance health and reduce disease risk:
– Regular handwashing and avoiding touching the face.
– Steering clear of crowded places during peak flu season.
– Wearing masks in crowded environments when necessary.
– Undergoing annual wellness screenings with primary care providers.
– Engaging in regular exercise, including walking and resistance training, to prevent falls.
– Limiting alcohol consumption to one drink per day on average.
– Scheduling hearing evaluations and using hearing aids to support social health and potentially prevent dementia.
– Getting regular vision checkups, including glaucoma screenings, to reduce fall risks.
– Adopting a balanced diet and ensuring quality sleep.
As older adults navigate the complexities of health care, staying informed about vaccinations and maintaining healthy practices is vital for enhancing their quality of life. Vaccinations serve as a crucial defense against potentially severe illnesses, and proactive health measures can further contribute to their overall well-being.
