Vaccines Recommended for Seniors in Harrisburg: What to Know
Vaccinations are a miracle of modern science, but often we take their effects for granted. While vaccine skepticism has risen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors such as those writing for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases still argue that getting senior immunizations in Harrisburg, NC, is the optimal way for seniors to protect themselves and those around them from illnesses like flu, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines.
There are many flu, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines available, and it might feel overwhelming or confusing when faced with all these options. Read on to learn more about preventive care for seniors and the vaccines recommended for seniors this year.
Senior Flu Vaccines
Vaccines might not be the most glamorous or exciting healthcare option in the world, but unlike youth creams, memory pills, and other hyped-up care options, vaccines are guaranteed to be effective, particularly those with a tried and tested history. Compared to the rest of the population, seniors are somewhat more vulnerable to illnesses like the flu or COVID-19. Getting a vaccine for these conditions is the most effective way for seniors to protect themselves.
The flu shot for aging adults is one of the more common vaccine types that seniors get. While some people dismiss flu as simply a bad cold, in older adults, the flu can trigger things like:
- Pneumonia
- Heart attacks
- Hospitalization
According to Families Fighting Flu, thousands of seniors die every year from flu complications, and those over the age of 65 are particularly vulnerable. Seniors who are getting the flu shot should get the high-dose version that's specifically intended for seniors, as this will offer stronger protection against the most powerful flu strains.
While some vaccines are a one-and-done option, the flu shot needs to be refreshed every year, ideally in late summer or fall. This is because the flu shot takes a couple of weeks to kick in, so if you're waiting for the peak flu season to get your shot, it's likely too late.
Flu shots are widely available, and if you live in a senior living community, it's likely that staff will make you aware of the upcoming flu season and encourage residents to schedule their shots.
It's important for people in these communities to get their vaccines, as it can help protect the people around them. Some who may be immunocompromised and unable to get a vaccine themselves because of an ongoing health complaint.
COVID-19 Booster Recommendations for Seniors
There's also the COVID-19 booster, even for seniors who were fully vaccinated during the COVID-19 period. It's important to bear in mind that protection fades over time, and while COVID-19 isn't as dangerous as it was years ago, it's still dangerous, particularly for older people.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you're immunized against COVID-19 because you got vaccinated during the lockdown; the protection from that shot is probably long gone.
According to the FDA, the new formulas are also great at targeting the current variant, so it makes sense to stay up to date to make sure you're protected against the strains of COVID that are circulating right now.
Generally speaking, if it's been more than a year, it's time to schedule your next COVID-19 vaccination shot. However, if you're not sure, it's best to consult with your doctor.
Pneumonia Vaccine: Protecting Seniors from Serious Illness
Pneumonia is more serious than many seniors realize. Younger, healthier individuals may recover from an infection more quickly, but pneumonia can send older adults to the hospital with serious complications like meningitis or sepsis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that pneumococcal pneumonia kills thousands of seniors every year, but a simple vaccine offers long-lasting protection.
Generally speaking, pneumococcal vaccinations don't need to be updated every year like flu shots or COVID boosters do. Instead, seniors generally only need one shot. Based on your medical history, your healthcare provider can suggest the best choice.
The good news? Once you're fully vaccinated, most seniors are protected for life. If you're over 65 or have underlying health conditions, getting the pneumonia vaccine is crucial.
Many senior living communities offer on-site vaccinations, which makes it easy to stay healthy and safe without any hassle or inconvenience.
Shingles Vaccine: Preventing Pain Before It Happens
People don't think much about shingles until they or someone they know gets it. If you had chickenpox as a child, as the majority of today's seniors did, the shingles virus may still be lurking in your body.
This virus can reactivate, resulting in chronic pain and painful nerve rashes that may persist for months or even years, as your immune system ages.
Fortunately, shingles is preventable. The vaccines recommended for seniors typically suggest that all adults aged 50 and older receive the Shingrix vaccine.
When given twice, two to six months apart, this vaccine protects against shingles and its complications more than 90% of the time.
Don't underestimate shingles; the name might not sound too bad, but it can severely disrupt your quality of life. Scheduling a shingles vaccine or getting one via a senior living community is a simple, proactive step toward ensuring a healthy future, free from unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Prevention That Makes a Real Difference
As you can see from these aging health tips, the impact of vaccines is enormous. The truth is that seniors can significantly enhance their quality of life and prevent needless suffering by taking easy precautions against flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and shingles. Illness can strike suddenly and without warning; vaccinations provide a dependable form of protection.
Staying current with your senior immunizations in Harrisburg NC, safeguards your health, while protecting friends, neighbors, and loved ones too. Don't underestimate the value of reliable, widely available prevention.
At TerraBella Harrisburg, we understand the value of social connection. Our residents' close relationships with our compassionate staff and one another make our senior living community unique. Seniors flourish in TerraBella Harrisburg's supportive friendships, daily activities, and group events. Contact us to plan your visit today, and you'll see for yourself how we help with vaccines recommended for seniors.