August is National Immunization Month. Immunizations or vaccinations don’t end in childhood. Some need boosters throughout the years and others need to be administered yearly to protect against new strains of bacteria that are in the community. Working with your loved one’s doctor, you should help your loved one determine which immunizations are right for them and when they should get them. Check with your senior home care provider to see which immunizations they are required to have before entering your loved one’s home to help with daily tasks.
Because immune systems often become less effective as a person ages, there are some immunizations that doctors and pharmacists will specifically recommend for those over 65. They may also recommend those immunizations for anyone who cares for an elderly person like yourself or your senior home care team.
Here are the most common immunizations that are recommended for the elderly.
COVID-19 and Influenza/Flu
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that might cause symptoms like cough, fever, and an inability to catch your breath. Elderly individuals are much more likely to develop serious complications from COVID-19 than young people so staying on top of the latest booster or update is important to keep your loved one healthy.
While getting the flu for many may just make them miserable for a few days, the flu can be deadly to the elderly if it gets into their lungs. It can then develop into pneumonia and lead to serious consequences. Since the flu is very easily passed from one person to another, like COVID-19, this immunization should be taken by everyone who cares for your loved one so check with your senior home care provider to make sure they get their yearly shot as well. While many consider the flu a winter condition, getting your loved one vaccinated as soon as the newest shot is available will help make sure they don’t have to be as concerned with getting the flu, or if they does, the symptoms should be lessened.
Pneumococcal Disease
Spread through the air, pneumococcal disease is a dangerous disease for the elderly because it often leads to pneumonia. A serious case of pneumonia can easily lead your loved one to stay in the hospital and even lead to death. This vaccine will help your loved one be protected from getting a serious infection.
Influenza or Flu
While getting the flu for many may just make them miserable for a few days, the flu can be deadly to the elderly if it gets into their lungs. It can then develop into pneumonia and lead to serious consequences. Since the flu is very easily passed from one person to another, like COVID-19, this immunization should be taken by everyone who cares for your loved one so check with your senior home care provider to make sure they get their yearly shot as well. While many consider the flu a winter condition, getting your loved one vaccinated as soon as the newest shot is available will help make sure they don’t have to be as concerned with getting the flu, or if they do, the symptoms should be lessened.
Shingles
Shingles can affect anyone who once had Chicken Pox and many elderly people had chicken pox when they were younger. The virus that caused it remains in their bodies indefinitely with the chance of recurring as shingles. Shingles affects the nerves. It can create an extremely painful and burning rash on the body.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines
Most likely your loved one received these immunization shots as a child, but they may need their booster shots. Boosters should occur every ten years to stay protected.
Vaccines are a safe way to keep your loved one healthy and prevent dangerous illnesses from occurring.
If you or a loved one needs Senior Home Care Services in Whitehall PA or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Extended Family Care of Allentown. Call today at (610) 200-6097.
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