AgeWise: Vaccines for Older Adults
By: Liz Hogan
Updated: October 19, 2012
When you think of vaccines, you probably think about children. However, there are several important boosters needed by older adults.
Dr. Michael North, a senior health physician at the Schmieding Center for Seniors, said there are four vaccines recommended for folks over the age of 60.
Tetanus, while rare, occurs most often in elderly patients. Dr. North also said the Centers for Disease Control urges seniors to get a shingles vaccine.
"Shingles is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus, so if you had chicken pox as a child, you get over that illness but the virus doesn't actually leave your body, it goes dormant in the, around the spinal cord," he said.
Even if you've had shingles, the CDC encourages getting the shot.
"The biggest risk with shingles, especially as you age, is the development of postherpetic neuralgia or pain in that area after the rash is gone and sometimes that can last for months or even years."
As we move into flu season, Dr. North said it's time to start thinking about getting your flu vaccine, but make sure you get it at the right time.
"Flu vaccines are typically recommended by the CDC to get between mid-October and mid-December," he said. "If you get it too early, you run the risk of not having full coverage when the flu actually gets here."
A pneumonia vaccine is also a good idea for anyone over 65 and anyone younger than 65 with preexisting health problems like heart or lung disease.
"The older population are much more receptive to getting recommended vaccines, it's just a matter of physicians being acquainted with what vaccinations are recommended."
Dr. North said all four shots are covered by insurance.
It's an ounce of prevention that could keep you healthier, longer.
Dr. Michael North, a senior health physician at the Schmieding Center for Seniors, said there are four vaccines recommended for folks over the age of 60.
Tetanus, while rare, occurs most often in elderly patients. Dr. North also said the Centers for Disease Control urges seniors to get a shingles vaccine.
"Shingles is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus, so if you had chicken pox as a child, you get over that illness but the virus doesn't actually leave your body, it goes dormant in the, around the spinal cord," he said.
Even if you've had shingles, the CDC encourages getting the shot.
"The biggest risk with shingles, especially as you age, is the development of postherpetic neuralgia or pain in that area after the rash is gone and sometimes that can last for months or even years."
As we move into flu season, Dr. North said it's time to start thinking about getting your flu vaccine, but make sure you get it at the right time.
"Flu vaccines are typically recommended by the CDC to get between mid-October and mid-December," he said. "If you get it too early, you run the risk of not having full coverage when the flu actually gets here."
A pneumonia vaccine is also a good idea for anyone over 65 and anyone younger than 65 with preexisting health problems like heart or lung disease.
"The older population are much more receptive to getting recommended vaccines, it's just a matter of physicians being acquainted with what vaccinations are recommended."
Dr. North said all four shots are covered by insurance.
It's an ounce of prevention that could keep you healthier, longer.
