Vaccines Recommended for Seniors in Charlotte: What to Know
-1.jpg)
A KIFF organization survey found that seniors aged 65 expressed confidence in vaccine effectiveness. More than 80% of older respondents say they believe in most modern vaccines.
Only a smaller portion of seniors are up to date on all their vaccinations. It may come from a lack of resources or knowledge of which ones to get.
Senior living in Charlotte, NC, offers senior-friendly shopping and dining. You'll also find huge parks and a vibrant arts scene. How can you enjoy it while you're sick?
Read on to learn about the latest vaccines recommended for seniors.
Flu and Pneumonia Shots
Flu and pneumonia may seem like illnesses that couldn't have anything in common. A virus causes one, while the other is caused by pneumonia.
However, they are both dangerous for seniors who may dismiss them as a bad cold. They can be life-threatening for seniors who are not equipped to combat them. This is why flu and pneumococcal shots are essential.
Flu Shots
Influenza is a viral infection also known as the flu. Seniors should get flu shots every year. They're at higher risk for severe infection and complications such as:
- Sinus and ear infections
- Pneumonia
- Organ or muscle inflammation
- Multi-organ failure
- Sepsis
According to CDC estimates, approximately 70-80% of flu-related deaths and approximately 50-70% of hospitalizations were from those 65 years and older.
Influenza is also a mutating virus. It is constantly changing, but the latest immunization can keep up with whatever the latest strain delivers.
Pneumonia Shots
Pneumonia is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs. It comes in several forms, and all of them are more likely to hit seniors than other age groups.
According to the American Lung Association, adults over 50 are approximately6 times more likely to be hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia. The risk increases by up to 10 times for those 65 and older.
Seniors need vaccines for pneumococcal conjugate and pneumococcal polysaccharide, spaced one year apart. They protect against various forms of pneumonia.
The recommendation is for seniors to get this vaccination by age 65, and for those with risk factors, even earlier.
In most cases, a single dose provides lifetime protection. Individuals at high risk who may require a second dose include:
- Asthmatics
- Diabetics
- Alcoholics
- Those taking medications that increase the risk of infection
- Smokers
Shingles
Shingles comes from the same virus as chickenpox, known as varicella-zoster. It can cause much more serious symptoms than just itching.
Anyone who has already had chickenpox has the virus in their body. It can come out and cause shingles at any time, but it's more likely in seniors.
They should get two doses of the vaccine, with the second one administered six months after the first one.
It doesn't remove the virus, but it does reduce the risk of developing the painful bumps and rashes characteristic of shingles. It also prevents serious complications, such as widespread nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Recent data even suggests that shingles vaccination can protect your memory. According to Stanford Medicine, a study found that it could reduce the risk of dementia by up to 20%.
Imagine the peace of mind -- no longer worrying about losing your memory. One shot could make the difference. It could even help keep you out of memory care in Charlotte.
Tdap: One of the Most All-Purpose Vaccines Recommended for Seniors
Tdap is one of the most important vaccines recommended for seniors because of its multi-purpose protection. It fights against:
- Tetnus
- Diptheria
- Pertussis
Tetanus is a condition where bacteria in dirt or soil infect the nervous system. Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system.
Pertussis, or whooping cough, also affects the respiratory system and causes violent coughing fits.
It can affect any vulnerable part of the population. That includes seniors and those with weakened immune systems.
Seniors are advised to get this vaccination and a booster every ten years. It's crucial for them to get vaccinated if it has been more than ten years since their last tetanus shot, or if only the Td vaccine was received, as this does not protect against pertussis.
They may need it more often if they have certain wounds. Any open wound invites bacteria that could lead to tetanus.
Don't only get the vaccine for yourself. Get it for your family's protection. Infants are vulnerable to pertussis. You want to avoid accidentally spreading it to your grandchildren when they come to visit you at assisted living in Charlotte, NC.
COVID-19
Seniors who are at least 65 should have at least two COVID-19 boosters.
You should still get immunized even after having it once, since you might not have long-lasting immunity. COVID-19 is another mutating virus, so keeping up with the latest strains is essential.
Staying vaccinated keeps seniors from becoming hospitalized or developing severe complications. It also prevents the virus from spreading across assisted living in Charlotte, NC.
RSV
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects the entire respiratory system, including the:
- Lungs
- Nose
- Throat
It was seen in children for years. Now, it's been identified as a risk for seniors and those with a weakened immune system. It's especially dangerous if you already have heart or lung conditions.
The RSV vaccine may be added to the recommended vaccines list for seniors when they turn 60 years old, depending on their individual risk factors. It's essential for those over 70 years old.
Collaborating with healthcare providers offers personalized senior wellness support. It lets them know exactly what vaccines they need and when.
Prevention should also be a community mission. Assisted living in Charlotte should provide the necessary care to help prevent conditions from occurring.
Where to Get the Right Senior Immunizations in Charlotte, NC
Respiratory diseases, such as RSV or COVID-19, are essential vaccines recommended for seniors. The shingles vaccine prevents widespread pain. Tdap provides wide-spectrum protection.
Even seemingly harmless conditions need to be protected against. Flu and pneumonia shots are essential. It's part of the connection between aging and preventive care.
Since 1997, Terrabella Little Avenue has set a standard of excellence in senior living. We combine assisted living and memory care on the same campus to serve our residents' needs now and in the future.
Our hometown feel and expansive amenities make settling in easy. Schedule a tour of our community today.