Safeguarding Aging Parents: Essential Vaccines

There are more viruses with crazy acronyms, booster shots and vaccination schedules for anyone to keep track of nowadays. We are here to help decipher through the madness and simplify the process. Let’s delve into the essential vaccines for older adults and why they are a big deal in remaining proactive on your parent’s health journey.

Essential Vaccines

COVID-19: COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the landscape of healthcare, and vaccination is key to navigating this new reality. Older adults are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19, making vaccination against the virus imperative. Encourage your parents to get vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible and to stay updated on booster shots as recommended by public health authorities. Though as we have all seen the vaccinations don’t prevent us from getting the virus necessarily but it does seem to make symptoms less severe.

Flu Shot: Getting the flu vaccine continues to be on the annual vaccine docket and it can be more severe for seniors. Again, it doesn’t necessarily mean the flu will be completely prevented but it does seem to make the symptoms less severe and decrease the chances of hospitalization or death.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): It’s not just for children anymore! While RSV is often associated with infants and young children, older adults are also vulnerable to its complications, including pneumonia. The CDC recommends the use of the RSV vaccine now especially for certain high-risk adults, such as those with weakened immune systems or chronic heart or lung disease. Your parents should discuss with their healthcare provider whether the RSV vaccine is appropriate for them. This vaccine is a “one and done” and is only needed once after the age of 65.

Pneumonia: Another respiratory doozy…The pneumonia vaccine has gone through several iterations through the years so this one should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor in case your loved one has had one in the past because protocols may be different. But, if you are new to the pneumonia vaccination scene, luckily It is another “one and done” vaccine.

Shingles: You thought you were safe from the chickenpox after elementary school…not so fast. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same one that causes chickenpox, can rear its ugly head again as an older adult. However, this time it can cause debilitating pain and severe complications in older adults. The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and older to reduce the risk of developing this painful condition. It’s a two-dose vaccine, with the second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first.

Tdap vaccine: Let’s not forget about those pesky tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis diseases from our childhood. The Tdap vaccine booster provides protection against these diseases, which can still pose a threat to older adults. A single dose of Tdap is recommended for adults who have not previously received it, followed by a Td booster every 10 years for tetanus and diphtheria protection.

While vaccines carry minor risks, such as temporary soreness or flu-like symptoms, the benefits far outweigh these potential side effects. Without vaccination, your parents could face serious illness, hospitalization, or even death from vaccine-preventable diseases. The vaccine regimen for older adults may vary based on individual health factors, so encourage your parents to have open discussions with their healthcare provider about their specific vaccination needs and schedules.

Empower your parents to prioritize their health by staying up to date on vaccinations and following the guidance of their healthcare provider.

Together…