Did you know that vaccines have a long and complex history that led to the modern immunizations we have today? Invented in 1796 by Dr. Edward Jenner, vaccines have evolved from a novel method for preventing sickness to a tool that saves millions of lives annually.
Modern vaccinations are primarily for infants and early childhood, but seniors should also stay up-to-date. But what are the recommended vaccines for seniors?
In this elderly adult vaccine guide, we will explore the benefits of vaccination, which vaccines are recommended for seniors in Loveland, CO, and other methods of preventive health for older adults. Let's dive in.
From the advent of the smallpox vaccine to the numerous immunizations available today, vaccines offer innumerable benefits for all demographics.
Although vaccinations are safe for most people, not everyone can be immunized. Some patients are allergic to key ingredients in the vaccine, which may prevent them from receiving the shot.
Others undergo treatment for cancer and other conditions that leave them immunosuppressed, meaning that exposure to any disease, even a small amount in a vaccine, can have serious consequences.
When enough people are sufficiently vaccinated, it creates a barrier known as herd immunity. Ideally, the people who are unable to receive the vaccine benefit from the secondhand protection of those around them who have been vaccinated.
The percentage of vaccinations required to maintain herd immunity varies depending on the immunization. Some diseases, such as measles, are incredibly contagious, which means a higher level of vaccination is needed for herd immunity to remain effective.
Before the advent of vaccines, diseases would run rampant and come in waves. However, diseases were not completely eradicated until the invention of immunizations.
As of today, smallpox is the only disease that has been fully eradicated through vaccination. However, increased vaccination rates and evolving research and technology may lead to the eradication of other viruses and infections in the future.
While many vaccines almost completely prevent disease transmission, they can also reduce symptoms of serious illness. For instance, many annual shots, such as COVID-19 and influenza, are aimed at predicted strains and may not block transmission.
Contracting an illness can still lead to fewer symptoms, significantly shortening your recovery timeline. Imagine being ill for a few days rather than several weeks.
This benefit is especially important for seniors in memory care or assisted living, who are considered to be a vulnerable demographic. For younger folks, serious illness could mean being in bed for a few more days, but for seniors, it could mean hospitalization or even death.
With so many vaccines available nowadays, it can be difficult to determine which ones seniors need. Here are some of the recommended senior immunizations in Loveland. With options such as flu and pneumonia shots to the shingles vaccine, you should know what to prioritize.
Although the severity of COVID-19 has greatly reduced since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, seniors remain a high-risk group. Therefore, it's recommended that seniors receive COVID-19 boosters.
The booster aims to reduce transmission, but more importantly, to prevent the development of serious disease and conditions such as long COVID. Long COVID includes symptoms such as:
Every year, vaccine developers try to predict the formula for the COVID vaccine based on current strains, similar to the design of the influenza vaccine.
After receiving the COVID-19 booster, you may experience side effects, including:
If you suffered from the chickenpox as a child, you are at risk for developing shingles. The virus is dormant in your body, but can reemerge at any time as shingles. Shingles can be extremely painful, but also very dangerous when you are a senior.
The shingles vaccine has an extremely high success rate, preventing the development of the condition in over 90% of cases. For those in assisted living or memory care, this can ease the worry over a resurgence of symptoms.
The flu vaccine is developed annually based on existing information and predictions for the seasonal strain. Some strains are more successful than others, but every vaccination provides some degree of protection.
You should aim to receive your influenza vaccination in September or early October. This will give it time to build to full strength before the annual flu season begins in late fall and into winter.
Tdap stands for:
The Tdap vaccine provides ample protection against all three of these infections. It should be received every ten years, or after five years if you have suffered from a dirty wound or burn-related injury, according to the CDC.
Here are some key tips for seniors to consider regarding staying up to date with recommended vaccines:
Now that you have learned about recommended vaccines for seniors, you can make a plan with your care team for which immunizations would benefit you. Besides vaccines, consider incorporating additional elements to foster a healthy lifestyle.
At Stoneridge at Centerra, our staff is dedicated to the health and well-being of our residents. Known as "Loveland's Best Assisted Living and Memory Care," we offer amenities such as resort-style living, a 24-hour gym, and restaurant-style dining, so that our residents can build the lives they deserve.
Would you like to learn more about all our community has to offer? Explore the floor plans for our assisted living and memory care programs today, or visit us in person at our beautiful campus in Loveland, CO. We can't wait to meet you!