Whether it's the tried and tested flu and pneumonia shots with decades of history, or the more novel COVID-19 vaccines that were developed with unprecedented urgency, vaccines are a key part of preventive wellness for seniors. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, senior vaccines in CO are the optimal way for seniors to protect themselves against serious illness.
A consistent issue with aging care in Lafayette is a lack of awareness of what's available. Immunization Awareness Month addresses this with a month-long campaign to ensure local seniors here in Lafayette, CO, are informed about the various vaccinations that are available.
Interested in learning more about Immunization Awareness Month? Read on for more information and some adult immunization tips.
The great thing about vaccines is that they're guaranteed to be effective, particularly those with a tried and tested history. In comparison to the general population, seniors are somewhat more susceptible to illnesses such as the flu or COVID-19. The best way for seniors to protect themselves is to get a vaccine for these diseases.
While the flu generally isn't so serious in younger people, seniors are much more at risk. According to Families Fighting Flu, thousands of people over the age of 65 die every year from flu complications. In seniors, the flu can trigger further health problems such as:
A flu vaccine during Immunization Awareness Month is a simple, quick way to reduce anxiety and gain season-long immunity.
While some vaccines give you a lifetime's worth of protection with a single dose, that isn't the case with flu vaccines. Ideally, senior flu shots need to be refreshed every year in the late summer or fall.
You need to get it in advance of the peak flu season because the immunity from the shot takes a few weeks to kick in. If you wait until you start seeing flu cases pop up in your area, it's probably too late for you and your loved ones to protect themselves with the flu shot.
For seniors, extra-strength flu shots are widely available. These powerful versions of the vaccine are well-suited to seniors who might not have as strong an immune system as younger people. Senior living communities and healthcare organizations alike will prefer these vaccinations.
Those in senior living communities are particularly at risk, as illnesses like the flu can quickly spread throughout the community, and residents should protect themselves.
Immunocompromised people can't necessarily get the vaccine themselves, so the more people who are vaccinated in the community, the more the most vulnerable in it are protected.
Pneumonia is more serious than you might realize. While younger, healthy individuals are unlikely to suffer any major complications, older people are somewhat more at risk when older people get pneumonia. It can lead to complications like sepsis or meningitis.
According to Aging and Disease, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of senior deaths, but seniors can get long-lasting protection with something as simple as a single vaccine shot.
Vaccines for pneumonia are more convenient than flu or COVID shots because, while those shots require boosters, the pneumonia shots do not. In other words, once you get the initial shot, you are fully vaccinated for life.
Given the serious risks associated with pneumonia and the relative simplicity of being vaccinated against it for life with a single dose, seniors should make arrangements to get this shot as soon as possible.
Immunity fades over time. While COVID-19 is less scary than in 2020, seniors are still at the highest risk. The shots from the lockdown era don't offer protection anymore.
Updated mRNA boosters are tuned to work with the latest variants of the vaccine. If it's been more than a year since you had a booster, you should book your next dose. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
A current booster resets your defenses to match the virus that is circulating now rather than the one from years ago.
A booster brings your defenses back in line with what is out there and lowers the odds of severe illness.
Side effects are usually mild and brief, like a sore arm or a day of fatigue, while serious reactions are rare. The small effort today buys confidence for:
Skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccines has resulted in more doubt about vaccines. This is unfortunate, as vaccines offer some of the best protection for seniors against some of the most dangerous illnesses.
While infection can build immunity, it also risks hospitalization, long-term complications, and death. Vaccines train the immune system safely using weakened, killed, or fragmented antigens.
For diseases like COVID-19, measles, and HPV, vaccination reduces severe outcomes more reliably than infection.
This underscores the value of shots. Immunity from illness can be uneven or short-lived, especially in older adults. Vaccines are updated as viruses evolve, maintaining protection without requiring people to suffer the disease first.
Older adults meet countless antigens every day from food, air, and microbes. The small number of vaccines is incredibly minor by comparison.
Getting more than one vaccine at the same visit is usually fine for many people. Side effects are typically mild and short-lived.
Some vaccines for seniors are high-dose or adjuvanted to boost the immune response. They are designed to improve protection for those who benefit from a little extra, not to overtax the body.
Remember that vaccination is also an act of care for others. When more people are up to date, fragile neighbors, grandchildren, and immunocompromised friends are better protected. Use Immunization Awareness Month to start, update, or complete your schedule, or encourage a friend to do the same.
Life at The Peaks at Old Laramie Trail is built on connection. From group outings to everyday conversations, seniors flourish with support from peers and staff.
We offer community-focused assisted living and memory care accommodations.
Call us to arrange a visit and see how we help with vaccines recommended for seniors.