For the young at heart, age is just a number. However, our immune system says otherwise. As we increase in age, our bodies have a harder time fighting off illnesses and diseases that could potentially turn deadly.
“Older adults are much more vulnerable to harmful diseases that could lead to hospitalization or even death,” 梅根·帕克特, MD, an assistant professor and geriatrician at University of Utah Health. “That’s why it’s so important to get vaccinated—and to stay up to date on 疫苗s—to keep yourself and others healthy.”
If you are 65 years or older, please consider these five 疫苗s to prevent serious illnesses and maintain a good quality of life for many years to come.
1. COVID-19疫苗
如何大发娱乐: COVID-19疫苗 (two shots spaced three to eight weeks apart) and subsequent boosters (one shot annually) will help your body recognize and combat the virus. This protects you from serious 并发症 including respiratory failure, stroke, 肺炎, organ failure, heart problems, and blood clots.
When to get the shot: It’s best to get boosted in October to be fully protected by the holiday season—when friends and family come together to spread good cheer and, 不幸的是, 细菌
2. In流感enza (Flu) Vaccine
如何大发娱乐： 的 流感疫苗 (one shot per year) offers the best protection against 流感 and its potentially serious 并发症 in older adults, which include sinus and ear infections, 肺炎, heart attack, and stroke.
When to get the shot: 在理想的情况下, everyone—young and old—should be vaccinated by the end of October before cases start to rise.
3. Pneumonia Vaccine
如何大发娱乐： 的 Prevnar 20 疫苗 (a single shot) is your best line of defense against 肺炎. It can significantly lower your chance of developing 并发症 from this deadly infection, which can include lung abscesses, respiratory disease, and sepsis.
When to get the shot: Every season is 肺炎 season, so it’s important to get vaccinated right away to protect yourself.
4. 带状疱疹疫苗
如何大发娱乐： 的 Shingrix 疫苗 (two doses within two to six months apart) is the only way to protect against shingles. It can cause serious 并发症 among older adults including 肺炎, hearing problems, vision loss, and brain inflammation.
When to get the shot: Shingles can strike at any moment, so adults (ages 50 years and older) who have had chickenpox in the past are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
5. RSV疫苗
如何大发娱乐： Most recently, the FDA approved 两种疫苗 (one dose for two winter seasons) for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This can protect you from serious 并发症 including bronchitis, 肺炎, and inflammation of the lung's small airways.
When to get the shot: Optimally, vaccination should occur in October before the onset of the fall and winter RSV season.
Quick Tips for Staying Healthy and Protected
- Get it all done in one swoop: For most people, it’s safe to combine multiple 疫苗s in one visit. Talk to your doctor about a vaccination schedule that works for you.
- Think of the greater good: Stay up to date on your 疫苗s to protect those around you from contracting contagious diseases.
- Consider your living space: If you reside in an assisted-living facility, 疫苗s are critical for protecting yourself and others from deadly illnesses.
- Don’t worry about breaking the bank: Most 疫苗s are covered by Medicare or private insurance.
- 洗手： In addition to getting vaccinated, always remember what your mother told you about practicing good hygiene to avoid getting sick.
Yes, Vaccines Are Safe
Despite what you may read online, FDA-approved 疫苗s are indeed safe. As for side effects, most people experience mild and temporary ailments, which include soreness and swelling in the arm, fevers and chills, 疲劳, 头痛, 肌肉酸痛, 关节疼痛. Serious or long-lasting side effects are extremely rare.
“Vaccines are safe and highly effective,” Puckett says. “If you’re concerned about safety risks, such as allergies or other preexisting conditions, talk to your doctor about which 疫苗s are right for you.”