Which Vaccines Should Older Adults Get?
Thanks to modern medicine, people who receive their recommended vaccines no longer have to fear the diseases that once caused widespread death, disability, and discomfort. While it’s common knowledge that infants and children need certain vaccines, it may be less widely known that older adults also need immunizations. Talk to your doctor about which vaccines are appropriate for you.
Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine is approved for adults age 50 and older. It significantly reduces the risk of shingles and related complications, which can include lingering pain, permanent vision loss, and facial paralysis. To date, the FDA has approved two vaccines to safeguard adults from the shingles virus. The vaccine healthcare providers typically recommend is the one that was approved in 2017.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause many different health problems, including ear and sinus infections, as well as life-threatening meningitis and bloodstream infections. In severe cases, patients require hospitalization and intensive treatment, and are at risk of death. Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended for all adults over age 65, as well as younger adults who are at an increased risk due to chronic medical problems.
Flu Shot
Annual flu shots are strongly recommended for everyone age six months and older. Older adults are at a particularly high risk of both contracting the disease and suffering from serious complications of the flu that may require hospitalization and intensive treatment. Since different strains of flu circulate each year, it’s necessary to get the flu shot every year.
Td Booster Shot
If you didn’t receive the Tdap vaccine as an adolescent, you should get it in adulthood. In addition, it’s recommended that adults receive a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years. Thanks to vaccines, tetanus and diphtheria are rare in the U.S. However, patients who contract these diseases may suffer from very severe complications that can be life-threatening, even with medical care. Protect yourself by getting vaccinated.
You can look forward to old-fashioned service with a smile when you visit Downtown Health Mart Pharmacy. Located in Ellensburg, WA, this pharmacy provides immunizations, including flu shots. You can call them at (509) 925-1514 to find out more.
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