Vaccines Recommended for Seniors in Carroll, Ohio

You may associate vaccines with childhood visits to the doctor, but as we age, certain senior immunizations are just as important. As you age, your immune system begins to weaken, making it crucial to protect your health for overall well-being and longevity.

Many infections, such as COVID-19, the flu, and pneumonia, can be dangerous for seniors. The risk of serious complications, hospitalization, and death increases with age. Getting the vaccines you need is the best way to protect yourself from preventable diseases.

At Carroll Place in beautiful Carroll, OH, our residents' health is our number one priority. Discuss the vaccines recommended for seniors with your doctor to determine which ones are best suited for your health needs.

Here's a guide to the CDC-recommended adult vaccine list.

The Value of Vaccines Recommended for Seniors

Your immune system protects you from infection, but the strength of your immunity weakens as time goes by. This leaves aging adults more susceptible to certain diseases.

Complications from the flu, pneumonia, COVID-19, and other infections can be more severe in older populations. A bout with pneumonia for a 30-year-old is much different than it is for a 70-year-old. The symptoms and complications are often much more severe for seniors.

Vaccines and preventive care in Carroll, OH, can help protect you from preventable diseases, allowing you to safely engage in fun activities and live life to the fullest.

Influenza Vaccine

Have you had your flu shot? The flu vaccine is recommended for people six months and older. The CDC recommends that adults over the age of 65 and those with chronic health conditions get the shot each year.

The flu vaccine may decrease your chances of contracting the flu. The components of the vaccine are based on predictions of emerging flu strains. Although the vaccine is not always 100% effective, it's your best defense against the flu.

Although predicted strains may not emerge, the flu shot is the best preventive measure you can take to protect yourself from this highly contagious virus.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 virus is here to stay. This highly contagious virus may be serious at any age, but it's especially dangerous for older adults and those with compromised immune systems.

The risk of severe complications from COVID-19 increases as you age. Seniors over age 65 infected with COVID-19 are at greater risk of severe illness, complications, or death.

The COVID-19 vaccines may help prevent serious complications or lessen their effects. The vaccine offers protection from the variants of the virus currently circulating among human populations.

You may still contract COVID-19 after being vaccinated. The good news is that the vaccine may reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Having COVID-19 does offer some immunity from the virus, but this could be short-lived. If you have had the virus in the past, you will still benefit from the vaccine.

Talk to your doctor about the COVID-19 vaccines and other aging wellness tips.

Shingles Vaccine

Most of today's senior population had chickenpox when they were children, so they are at risk of developing shingles. That's why getting the shingles vaccine is a good idea for seniors.

The varicella-zoster virus causes shingles. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After having chickenpox, this virus remains present but inactive in the body.

The virus can reactivate in the body as shingles years or even decades after infection. Shingles causes a blistering rash on the skin. It usually occurs on one side of the body and can be extremely painful.

The vaccine is around 50% successful in preventing shingles in people aged 65 to 70. It is less effective for those over 70. Speak to your doctor about whether the flu and shingles shots are right for you.

Pneumonia Vaccine

In older adults, pneumonia often develops after a bout with a cold, the flu, or COVID-19. It can be serious for seniors and result in severe complications, hospitalization, or death.

There are two pneumonia vaccines recommended for individuals 65 and older. The vaccine is also recommended for babies, children under age two, and people between two and 64 who have certain chronic medical conditions.

Getting both vaccines reduces the chances of serious complications of pneumonia.

These vaccines are designed to be taken a year apart, and the rates of pneumonia have decreased dramatically in recent years thanks to them. Speak to a medical professional about the benefits of the pneumonia vaccine for your health.

Tetanus and Pertussis Boosters

The tetanus bacterium is found in soil, dust, and manure. It enters the body through cuts or breaks in the skin.

You can contract tetanus simply by working in the yard, going to the beach, or coming into contact with a contaminated object. If you have a cut or opening in the skin, you're vulnerable to tetanus. This is especially true for older adults with weakened immune systems.

It's important to get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. If you haven't had one since childhood, it's time to see your doctor. Tetanus can be a deadly disease, so it's crucial to get your booster.

The tetanus and pertussis boosters are combined. Pertussis, known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection that can be dangerous for small children and older adults. The pertussis vaccine is standard for babies and adults who spend time around young children.

Pertussis causes a loud, deep cough and can persist for weeks to months. If you had the vaccine as a child, you may want to schedule a booster shot. Talk with your doctor about the tetanus and pertussis vaccine and the best vaccine schedule for your health.