VERA Home Care

Vaccinations and Seniors: What You Need to Know

There has been a lot of talk about the COVID vaccines and whether seniors should be getting them. But, while thinking about COVID vaccinations, we should also be mindful of other available vaccines which help prevent illnesses. Seniors are especially susceptible to illnesses and diseases, for many of which there are vaccines available. Here is what you need to know about vaccines available for seniors to help keep them healthy.

Why do you need vaccines?

vaccine syringe serum medical equipment healthThere are many vaccines available to help prevent contracting illnesses like polio and measles. Vaccines have been around for more than 100 years and have been so effective against some diseases that many of us forget that some of them ever existed.

Vaccines can help protect you from contracting the diseases, and they can also protect those you love the most from getting sick as well. Keeping current on the vaccines you need will help keep you healthy.

 

Which vaccines do adults need?

There are many vaccines available, but does that mean you need to get all of them? There are certain vaccines recommended for adults and seniors to keep them healthy.50544064717 ee22e786cf c

Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis – this is a common vaccine, and it is recommended you get a booster every 10 years to keep current.

Influenza – this is the most commonly administered adult vaccine. It is recommended you get the flu shot every winter to help prevent contracting the known strains of the flu.

Pneumococcal – getting this vaccine helps protect against serious infections like meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. If you are over 65 years of age, Health Canada recommends you get this immunization. Additionally, there could be other health conditions that make you a candidate for this vaccine, even if you are not quite 65.

Shingles – getting shingles is very painful, and adults over 50 are at a higher risk for getting this virus. While Health Canada does recommend this vaccine for people over 60, it is becoming much more common to get it between the ages of 50 and 59.

Depending on your lifestyle and other activities you are involved in, there could be other vaccines your doctor recommends for you. As always, you need to talk to your doctor about the right choices for your health and which vaccines are right for you.

Vaccines for Travelling

There are many diseases present in other countries that are not common in Canada. Because they are rare in Canada, Canadians are typically not immunized against them. If you are planning to travel to other countries, you should plan to get preventative vaccines ahead of time so that you can enjoy your vacation and do not get infected while you are travelling.

Vaccines can sometimes be an afterthought when it comes to our health, but it is important to make sure this preventative step is taken. One appointment for a vaccine can keep you healthy and help prevent others around you from getting sick. If you are not sure which vaccines you need to get, or if you are due for any booster shots, make an appointment with your doctor to talk about it!

How Home Care Can Help

photo 1587556930720 58ec521056a5Did you know that home care providers can help seniors by driving them to important medical appointments and help you communicate with your doctor regarding vaccinations?

If you have questions about how home care can help you or a loved one, contact Vera Home Care today!

 

Keep up to date with the latest Blogs and Articles!

Subscribe for a weekly e-mail with our latest Blog
Name(Required)
Facebook
LinkedIn
Never Miss Another Post!

Name(Required)
Scroll to Top