Recommended Vaccines for Seniors in Southport: What to Know
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Staying healthy as we age is a top priority, especially when illnesses can hit harder in our later years. That's why preventive care for seniors is so important, and recommended vaccines for seniors are a key part of keeping your defenses strong.
At TerraBella Southport, our warm community in the charming coastal town of Southport, NC, we see every day how staying healthy helps older adults live their best lives.
Let's dive in and explore how to stay proactive about your health!
The Flu Vaccine: Your Yearly Shield
Every year, flu season rolls around, and it can be tough on older adults. The flu vaccine is one of the recommended vaccines for seniors, and it's a must to stay protected.
According to the CDC, seniors over 65 are at higher risk for flu complications, with thousands hospitalized annually. Getting your flu shot lowers that risk big time.
Flu and pneumonia shots go hand in hand since the flu can sometimes pave the way for pneumonia. The vaccine is updated yearly to match the latest flu strains, so it's important to get it each fall.
Most folks feel fine after the shot, but some might have a sore arm or mild fever for a day or two.
Pneumonia Shots: Breathing Easier
Pneumonia is no joke for seniors, as it can lead to serious breathing problems or worse. That's why pneumonia shots are high on the list of recommended vaccines for seniors.
The CDC suggests two types for adults 65 and older: PCV15 or PCV20, which protect against pneumococcal bacteria. These germs cause:
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Other infections
If you get PCV15, you might need a follow-up shot called PPSV23 a year later, depending on your health.
These shots are a cornerstone of preventive care for seniors, cutting the risk of severe illness. Data from the Clinical Interventions on Aging shows that pneumococcal vaccines can reduce pneumonia hospitalizations by up to 70% in older adults.
Side effects are usually mild, such as redness at the injection site or a slight headache. One of our health tips for older adults is to plan your shot for a day when you can rest afterward.
Shingles Vaccine: Stopping the Pain Before It Starts
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus as chickenpox, and it's more common in older adults. The CDC strongly recommends the shingles vaccine, called Shingrix, for everyone 50 and up.
It's one of the top recommended vaccines for seniors because it cuts the risk of shingles by over 90%. That's huge, considering shingles can lead to long-lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia. Nobody wants that kind of discomfort keeping them from enjoying life.
Shingrix is a two-dose series, given a few months apart, and it's a powerhouse for aging immune support. You might feel tired or have muscle aches after the shot, but these usually pass quickly.
Tdap Vaccine: Guarding Against Tetanus and More
The Tdap vaccine protects against three diseases:
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
It's one of the recommended vaccines for seniors, especially since tetanus can sneak up from simple cuts or scrapes. The CDC says adults should get a Tdap shot every ten years, or a Td (tetanus-diphtheria) booster if you've had Tdap before.
Pertussis is also a concern, as it can cause severe coughing that's tough on older lungs.
This vaccine supports preventive care for seniors by keeping you safe from infections that might seem rare but can hit hard. For example, tetanus cases are low but deadly, with a one in 10 fatality rate in older adults.
Side effects are usually just a sore arm or mild fatigue. If you're unsure, your doctor can help. You can get senior vaccines in Southport, NC, at locations like local health departments or pharmacies.
RSV Vaccine: New Protection for Your Lungs
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, might sound like a kid's illness, but it's a growing concern for seniors.
It can cause serious lung infections, especially in those over 65. The CDC now includes RSV vaccines among recommended vaccines for seniors, specifically for adults 60 and older, based on health risks.
Two options, Arexvy and Abrysvo, are available, and they cut the risk of severe RSV by about 80%. Side effects might include a sore arm or feeling under the weather for a day.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Keeping Up with Boosters
COVID-19 hasn't gone away, and staying protected is still a priority for older adults. The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for everyone 65 and up, as part of the core recommended vaccines for seniors.
Boosters are updated to tackle new variants, so you might need one every year or so, depending on CDC guidance. These shots lower your risk of:
- Severe illness
- Hospitalization
- Or worse
This vaccine is a key player in preventive care for seniors, especially since COVID can hit harder with age.
Other Important Vaccines: What Else to Consider
Beyond the big names, a few other vaccines might be on your radar, depending on your health and lifestyle. The CDC suggests seniors consider Hepatitis B vaccines if they have certain risk factors, like diabetes or liver issues.
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) might be needed if you weren't vaccinated as a kid or lack immunity. These are less common but still part of the recommended vaccines for seniors for some folks.
These shots round out aging immune support by covering gaps in protection. For example, Hepatitis B vaccines can prevent liver infections, which are riskier as we age.
Stay Protected With the Recommended Vaccines for Seniors
As we wrap things up, remember that the recommended vaccines for seniors are your best bet for staying healthy and active in your golden years.
At TerraBella Southport, we're proud of our award-winning care that earned us recognition as a Best Assisted Living Community by U.S. News & World Report. Our unique SHINE® Memory Care Program and Assisted Living options provide the personalized support you need, including help with medication management to keep your vaccine schedule on track.
Visit us today or reach out to learn more about joining our vibrant community!