Health

Vaccines Important for Older Adults

If you still think vaccines are only for kids, you should probably think again. That’s because many vaccines are now recommended for older adults to lower the risk of serious infections that can have dangerous consequences.

“Vaccines are an important component of preventive health for older adults,” explains UAB infectious disease specialist John Gnann, MD. “As people age, natural reductions in immunity put older people at an increased risk for certain infections. Because of this, it’s especially important for older adults to keep up with vaccinations.”

Be sure to check with your physician about these 4 important vaccines for yourself — or the older adult in your life.

Influenza Vaccine

“We want to encourage all older adults to get this vaccine annually,” emphasizes Dr. Gnann. “The vaccine reduces the risk of contracting the flu and the serious complications that often result from it in older people — such as pneumonia and cardiac problems.”

Because the flu virus is always changing, flu vaccines are updated every year. Protection lasts up to a year for both the flu shot and the newer nasal spray flu vaccine.

Pneumococcal Vaccine (PPV)

Pneumococcal disease is a serious type of pneumonia that results in more deaths in the U.S. each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. “This illness can lead to serious infections of the lungs and blood as well as meningitis,” explains Dr. Gnann. “It’s important that all adults aged 65 and over receive this vaccine.”

Tdap Vaccine (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis)

The Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults against 3 serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diptheria and pertussis are spread from person to person, while tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious illness that can be especially dangerous for older adults. The disease causes severe coughing spells that can lead to weight loss, pneumonia, and hospitalization due to complications. “Pertussis has made resurgence in the U.S. in the past few years, so it’s very important that older adults receive immunization,” says Dr. Gnann.

Herpes Zoster Vaccine (Shingles)

If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you’re also at risk for developing shingles – a painful, viral infection of the nerve roots that affects over 500,000 people in the U.S. each year. Also called herpes zoster, shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus).

“The chickenpox virus stays dormant in the nerve roots for life,” explains Dr. Gnann. “When the immune system becomes compromised due to aging or illness, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.” The condition causes neuralgia, a painful inflammation and irritation of the nerves that can be short-term or chronic. “The older you are, the higher your risk of developing shingles and the greater your risk of experiencing long-lasting neuralgia,” Dr. Gnann observes. “The herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine is recommended for anyone 60 and older who doesn’t have a compromised immune system.”

Other Key Tips for Preventing Infections

In addition to making sure you’re immunized against flu and other potentially serious diseases, Dr. Gnann emphasizes that hand washing is an important way to prevent illness — especially upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. “Washing hands routinely with plain soap and water is ideal. In the absence of these, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is just as effective.”

“To help maintain overall good health and keep your immune system functioning properly, also remember to eat a nutritious, balanced diet and get an adequate amount of rest.”