Vaccines That Protect The Elderly
The Flu: As mentioned above, the flu can be deadly when contracted among elderly. It is recommended that the elderly receive the Fluzone High Dose influenza vaccine which is designed specifically for people 65 years and older. Shingles: Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash usually presenting on an area that wraps around the left or right side of someone’s body. Although shingles is not life threatening it is extremely painful. It is recommended that anyone over the age of 60 get the shingles vaccine in order to protect themselves against this very painful rash. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis: Everyone should get the combined Tetanus/Diphtheria/ Pertussis booster shot every 10 years. Tetanus can be deadly if it enters a person’s bloodstream so it is important to make sure everyone including those over the age of 60 is up to date with their Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis booster. Chickenpox: Anyone who has not had the chickenpox should get vaccinated against it. However, those with potentially compromised or weakened immune systems should talk to their doctor before they get the chickenpox vaccine. Pneumonia: The elderly are more at risk to contract Pneumonia than younger individuals and over 90% of deaths from pneumonia occur in individuals that are over 65 years old. The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) can help protect the elderly from getting pneumonia as it provides protection against 23 different strains of the pneumonia causing bacteria. Measle/Mumps/Rubella (MMR): Measles is a virus that can cause high fever, rashes, diarrhea and the risk for death is higher in adults than in infants or children. It is recommended that anyone that was either never vaccinated or vaccinated in the 1960s get the measles vaccine or the measles vaccine booster.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this post in not intended to be construed as health advice, nor should it be considered a substitute for obtaining individual medical counsel or consulting your physician.