ESSENTIAL VACCINES FOR SENIORS
A Shield for Seniors When you think of vaccines, you probably think of kids, but it’s equally important for seniors to keep current on their vaccinations. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends three standard vaccines for seniors:
Influenza Vaccine: The influenza virus causes flu, which is normally not serious in younger people but can be very dangerous in the elderly. The flu virus is able to mutate (or change) rapidly, so last year’s vaccine will not protect against this year’s flu and annual vaccinations are required. The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months of age be vaccinated against flu, but they add that it is especially important for people over fifty.
Shingles Vaccine: Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes Chickenpox in children. The virus can become reactivated in the elderly and cause a painful skin rash. The CDC recommends that everyone over 60 be vaccinated against shingles. The one-time vaccination lasts a lifetime and reduces the likelihood of being infected more than 50%.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: Pneumococcus is a bacterium that causes pneumonia. The CDC recommends everyone be vaccinated against pneumococcus at age 65 if they haven’t been already. The one-time vaccine provides lifelong protection against bacterial pneumonia, but does not prevent all types of pneumonia.
Source: A Place For Mom
