National Immunization Awareness Month: Venice Seniors Guide
According to CDC research, roughly 93% of adults aged 65 and older have some kind of chronic medical condition. The most common ones are hypertension, high cholesterol, and arthritis. These individuals are at a higher risk than younger adults when exposed to viruses and bacteria.
National Immunization Awareness Month is all about informing seniors of those risks and making sure they have the protection they need. Venice, FL, is well-known for its excellent healthcare and proactive approach to wellness.
Here's everything seniors in the area need to know about their vaccination responsibilities.
Why Vaccination Matters for Seniors
As the human body ages, its immune system naturally weakens. Fighting off infections becomes more difficult. This reduced immunity puts older adults at higher risk for serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and shingles.
Adult immunizations are a key part of preventive health for seniors. Staying healthy also includes regular checkups and screenings.
Immunizations help protect individual health and contribute to the wider community's safety, particularly in cities with large senior populations. You can support your aging parents by encouraging routine vaccinations.
Senior Vaccine Checklist
Knowing which vaccines are recommended is the first step toward staying protected. Doctors help seniors keep track of which vaccines they've received in the past and when they're due for a new one.
These are some of the key vaccines seniors in the United States should receive.
Influenza Vaccine
Otherwise known as the flu shot, the influenza vaccine protects against seasonal influenza viruses. These are the ones that give people the common flu, which can prove fatal for seniors with pre-existing conditions.
Older adults should receive the vaccine every year, during early fall. They qualify for both the high-dose and adjuvanted vaccines, which help to create a stronger immune response compared to normal flu shots.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
The vaccine for pneumonia protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. They can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other illnesses.
Seniors should get this vaccine at age 65 or earlier if they have certain chronic health conditions. It provides long-lasting protection, though some individuals may need a booster dose at a later date. The booster is only recommended if a person develops a new health condition or if their immune system weakens.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters
The COVID-19 virus puts older adults at risk of severe illness and ongoing disability. While some people get a mild illness from the virus, others end up hospitalized or worse.
Contracting the virus does not necessarily protect you from getting it again. Regular boosters offer continued protection against new variants.
Seniors should keep track of the latest CDC guidelines to know when they need seasonal boosters.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles can cause severe pain, long-term nerve damage, and even vision loss. It happens when the latent virus that causes chickenpox reactivates inside your body.
The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective at preventing it. Do not expect the vaccine to prevent chickenpox, though.
Adults aged 50 and older can get it in two doses. The second dose is given two to six months after the first dose.
TDAP or TD Booster
TDAP refers to tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. All three are covered by the TDAP vaccine, which is given every ten years. It can also protect people from whooping cough.
A doctor may recommend a booster before the ten-year mark if a person has a severe or dirty wound.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B can spread from person to person through contact with blood, semen, and other bodily fluids. The infection can lead to chronic liver issues, including chronic liver disease and liver cancer.
Adults with diabetes or other risk factors should get vaccinated. The Heplisav-B vaccine is given in two doses, 4 weeks apart. However, there are variations that require one or two more doses over the course of a year.
Focus On Flu and Pneumonia Shots
Two of the main focuses of preventative health for seniors should be the flu and pneumonia shots. These two vaccinations prevent some of the most common illnesses a senior can succumb to. They're especially important for anyone who lives in independent or assisted living communities.
Chances are good that seniors who live in those communities are going to spend time near each other. Even if they never go near one another, they can spread viruses either through the air or surfaces they've touched.
The COVID-19 vaccine is another popular one that more doctors recommend for seniors every day. Even though the virus is constantly changing, it remains as contagious as before.
Wellness Tips in Venice, FL
Incorporating vaccines into your annual wellness routine is simple. Seniors may want to follow these wellness tips to make the process easy and effective:
- Schedule vaccines with other appointments
- Use insurance benefits
- Keep records updated
- Visit local clinics and pharmacies
- Encourage others to get vaccinated
- Stay informed
Seniors can combine their flu shot with their annual physical or wellness visits to cover all their bases. Maintaining a written or digital record of your vaccines helps when seeing multiple doctors or specialists.
Alternatively, seniors can get vaccinations at normal pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens. Local community health centers also host immunization events during NIAM.
The CDC and the Sarasota County Health Department often update their vaccine recommendations. Local healthcare providers should keep seniors informed about new vaccines and guidelines.
Most insurance plans should cover whatever vaccines you need. Check with your provider or pharmacist to understand your benefits.
Educate Yourself On National Immunization Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month exists so that everyone can know about the dangers they face if they don't get vaccinated. Many common illnesses and diseases are preventable through vaccines, and some vaccines are a single shot for at least a year of protection. Seniors are especially at risk if they don't get their vaccines.
Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe provides senior living in the Venice area. Our residents enjoy amenities such as weekly bingo night, dances, and theme parties, and more. Reach out today with any questions and to set up a tour of our community.