As we age, it becomes even more important to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Eating right, exercising, and practicing mindful meditation are all good habits to adopt for optimal senior health. Vaccinations is another integral part of senior wellness.
With the ongoing pandemic, you have probably heard mention of a couple of new vaccines to guard against COVID-19. You may even already be vaccinated against the virus. But if you want to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines, or other vaccines available for senior health, Yuma Senior Living is here to help. Here are four vaccines recommended for adults ages 65 and older.
1) COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the newest vaccines for senior health. In December, the FDA approved two COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use, one developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and the other developed by Moderna. Both have been shown in critical trials to be incredibly effective against the virus, and both require two doses of the vaccine to be administered in order to work.
COVID-19 vaccines are already being administered in senior living centers across the country. But the exact timeline for the vaccine rollout varies by state. To find out when you may be eligible to receive the vaccination, contact your local health district or state department of health.
2) Influenza Vaccine
The influenza vaccine, more commonly known as the flue vaccine, is probably one you have already received in the past. If not, it’s certainly something you should consider getting now.
According to the CDC, getting the flu vaccine is more important that ever because of the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. Protecting yourself from the flu by getting vaccinated can free up valuable healthcare resources for the treatment of COVID-19 patients instead. It is especially important for adults ages 65 and older to get vaccinated because this age group accounts for the most hospitalizations and deaths from both the flu and COVID-19 virus.
The CDC recommends that you get the flu vaccine every year by the end of October.
3) Pneumococcal Vaccine
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infection. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines, PCV13 and PPSV23. The latter is generally recommended for adults 65 and older. The PCV13 is also an option for adults ages 65 and older, but you should first consult with a doctor before having it administered to determine whether it would be beneficial for you.
4) Shingles Vaccine
Nearly one in three people in the US will develop shingles. Shingles are a viral infection that can have serious lifelong consequences, and the older we get, the more vulnerable to it we become. That’s why this is another vaccination that’s important for senior health. In fact, it’s recommended for adult ages 50 and over, so you should start getting it earlier than some of the others.
This isn’t a comprehensive list of vaccinations available for senior health. It’s important to note that you should consult with your doctor since vaccinations aren’t recommended for everyone, especially those with certain health conditions.
That’s why at Yuma Senior Living, we personalize your care based on your specific needs. To learn more about our senior living community, give us a call at (928) 388-6858. We can assure you that when you stay here, your health and well-being will always be a priority for us.