As the winter months approach, you may feel thrilled about the smell of comforting food, the warmth of bonfires, and the wonderful moments you will spend with your friends and senior parents over the holidays. However, the winters are also known as the flu season. Yes, there will be celebrations and good times but also a constant threat of catching certain diseases, especially for seniors.
As per the studies, winter signifies a usual weakening of the immune system. With bacteria and virus growth, this time of year spells disaster for the elderly. They have a weakened immune system due to aging, making these colder months even more dangerous for elders.
Thankfully, vaccines can save the day! Mentioned below are 3 crucial vaccines for your loved elderly.
Vaccine for Flu
This vaccine is one of the most important jabs to consider during the winter. There is usually a significant discussion about its importance.
While people of any age can catch the flu, at any time of the year, the cases in the US usually increase between November and May.
As per the CDC:
- 50-70 percent of hospitalizations for seasonal flu were recorded in people aged 65 and over.
- 70-85 percent of deaths due to seasonal influenza occurred among people who were 65 or over.
This yearly vaccine is highly recommended for elders aged 65 or above. As their child or caregiver, make sure that your elderly get vaccinated no later than October end, as it takes two weeks to achieve full immunity. Truth be told, elders need enough time to build their immunity before flu season starts.
Also, remember that it is never too late for your loved senior to get vaccinated. If you miss the October deadline, don’t lose hope. You can still get them vaccinated at any time.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
The vaccine against pneumococcal helps prevent pneumococcal infection, which is the cause of meningitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.
The vaccine for pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) is a defense against 23 varieties of the pneumococcal bacterium. It is recommended for people who are 65 or over. Indeed, complications from pneumococcal diseases cause the deaths of around 18,000 seniors every year.
In contrast to the flu vaccine, this vaccine doesn’t require annual vaccination. The pneumococcal vaccine consists of two shots given one year apart. The good thing is that booster shots are usually not required after the second shot has been given.
Tdap Vaccine
The Tdap vaccine is a protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. These extremely serious diseases could prove to be fatal if not treated immediately. Tetanus is a case of muscle tightening, making it difficult to swallow, move, and breathe properly.
Diphtheria leads to a formation of a thick layer of mucus at the throat’s back, which can make it challenging to breathe. Pertussis is often referred to as whooping sneeze. It is characterized by severe coughing, which can cause complications such as rib fractures, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and pneumonia.
The elderly are more at risk of hospitalization due to the complications of these illnesses. The CDC recommends that all adults receive a Tdap vaccination every 10 years. If your loved ones are not up-to-date on the Tdap vaccination, then we suggest immediately getting them vaccinated.
Final Word
Life after 60 isn’t easy. Seniors need certain home modifications, a specific diet, and proper vaccinations to live a healthy life. Also, you might not get enough time in the day to take care of your elderly and get them vaccinated. If you’re from New York, consider CDPAP to assign a personal caregiver for your elderly.