As we grow older, staying healthy becomes even more important. Our bodies change with age, and we may not be as strong as we once were. This can make it easier for us to get sick, and when we do, it can take longer to recover. That’s why vaccines are so important, especially for seniors. Vaccines help protect our bodies from serious illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19.
Why Vaccines Are Important
Vaccines are like a shield for your body. They teach your immune system how to fight off certain diseases, so if you come into contact with them later, your body knows exactly what to do. For seniors, vaccines are especially important because as we age, our immune systems don’t work as well as they used to. This means we can get sick more easily, and when we do, the illness can be more serious.
By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself but also the people around you, like your family, friends, and caregivers. It’s a simple and safe way to make sure you stay healthy.
The Flu Vaccine
The flu, or influenza, is a virus that spreads easily from person to person, especially in the fall and winter months. The flu can cause fever, chills, a cough, sore throat, and body aches. For many people, it’s just a bad week of feeling sick. But for seniors, the flu can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It can lead to complications like pneumonia or worsen other health problems like heart disease or diabetes.
Every year, the flu vaccine is updated to protect against the strains of the flu that are expected to spread that year. This means it’s important to get the flu shot every year to stay protected. For seniors, there is a special flu shot called the high-dose flu vaccine, which gives an extra boost to your immune system to make sure you’re well protected.
The Pneumonia Vaccine
Pneumonia is a serious infection that affects the lungs. It can cause fever, coughing, trouble breathing, and chest pain. Pneumonia is more dangerous for seniors because our lungs and immune systems may not be as strong as they used to be. If a senior gets pneumonia, it can lead to hospitalization, long recovery times, and even death in some cases.
There are two main vaccines that protect against pneumonia: the PCV13 vaccine and the PPSV23 vaccine. These vaccines help protect against different types of bacteria that cause pneumonia. Many doctors recommend that seniors get both vaccines for the best protection.
You may only need to get these vaccines once or twice in your lifetime, but they can offer long-lasting protection. If you’re not sure if you’ve had the pneumonia vaccine, ask your doctor during your next visit.
The COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 is a new virus that has spread around the world since 2020. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild ones like a sore throat and cough to serious problems like difficulty breathing and pneumonia. Seniors are more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 because their immune systems may not be as strong.
The COVID-19 vaccine is important because it helps protect against the most severe forms of the illness. Even though many people have been vaccinated, new variants of the virus can still spread, which is why doctors recommend getting a booster shot every year to keep your protection strong.
Many seniors were among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but it’s important to stay up to date on booster shots, just like with the flu shot. If you’re not sure when your last COVID-19 shot was, ask your doctor to help you stay protected.
Are Vaccines Safe?
Yes! Vaccines are very safe. Before a vaccine is given to the public, it goes through many tests to make sure it works well and doesn’t cause harmful side effects. You might feel a little sore where you get the shot or have mild symptoms like a headache or low fever, but these go away quickly and are a sign that your body is building protection.
It’s normal to have questions about vaccines. If you do, ask your doctor or nurse—they can help explain everything and make sure you’re getting the right protection for your health.
How to Get Vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is easy. You can make an appointment with your doctor or visit a local pharmacy or clinic. Many places offer vaccines for free or at a low cost, especially for seniors. When you get vaccinated, make sure to keep track of your vaccine records so you know when you need your next shot.
Westside Terrace Healthcare offers vaccines to all our residents. Vaccination is not mandatory, but we encourage following the CDC’s recommendations. Residents may request vaccines or their sponsors may request them for them. If their primary care physician agrees, the staff at Westside will arrange to have the vaccine administered. In most cases, there is no cost to the resident or their family.
Staying up to date on your vaccines is one of the easiest and best ways to protect yourself from getting seriously sick. By getting your flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines, you’re helping yourself stay healthy and strong!
If you have any questions about seasonal vaccines, please contact us online or call us at 334-794-1000.
