August is National Immunization Awareness Month. During this month we focus on the importance of all vaccines, not just the ones we currently hear about in the news. While right now a lot of emphasis is on the COVID vaccine, it’s important to remember that all vaccines help to protect not only us, but also our family, friends, and the general public. Last year due to the pandemic, many people fell out of schedule with recommended vaccine guidelines. Not receiving timely vaccinations can be dangerous for many individuals, especially certain age groups including older adults.
The theme of this year’s Immunization Awareness Month is
Get Back on Track with Routine Vaccines
Vaccines help to protect us against serious illnesses and diseases. While many believe that diseases such as shingles, small pox, and rubella no longer exist, it is not true. These diseases still exist; however, we have been able to prevent and contain them better because of vaccines.
Two important things to note about vaccines
- Vaccines are very safe
- Different vaccines are recommended throughout our lifetime
The vaccines recommended for young children differ from those recommended for older adults. Next, let’s discuss why vaccines are important for older adults.
Why Vaccines are Important for Older Adults
As we age, our immune systems weaken which means it can get harder for our bodies to fight infections. This weakened immune system also means that you are not only more likely to contract diseases like flu and pneumonia, you are also more likely to have complications from them. These complications unfortunately can lead to hospitalization and long-term effects or even death. It’s further complicated because if you have other chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes and contract an infection such as the flu or shingles, it can lead to more serious health issues.
What Vaccines Should I Get?
All adults need an annual flu shot and it’s strongly recommended for older adults as a way to help prevent further health issues and hospitalization. Tetanus, Shingles, and Pneumococcal are also recommended for older adults. There may be additional vaccines you require and it is best to speak to your provider to determine which vaccines you will need since they know you best.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a short quiz you can take to see which vaccines are appropriate for you.
Alliance for Aging Research
An organization known as the Alliance for Aging Research is a nonprofit that works to help us live longer and healthier lives. They’ve developed a short 5 minute video to help explain the importance of receiving vaccines.
We hope you have found this month’s edition of Health Notes about immunizations helpful. We encourage you to reach out to your provider to discuss which vaccines you may need or should receive. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks and month for signs about how and where to get your flu shot. While we are all still working through issues related to the pandemic, it’s very important we don’t forget our annual flu shot.
Please reach out with any questions or comments to VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services at (1-888-26VITALity or 1-888-268-4825) .
Until next time, stay safe, healthy, and well.
