by Chelsea Couch
HHS Aging Texas Well Coordinator
Routinely getting vaccinations can reduce your chances of getting sick and can help older adults avoid complications from viruses like the seasonal flu and shingles.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, flu and pneumonia are the 12th-leading cause of death in the United States. Vaccines can reduce the risk of catching these and other viruses, and can prevent or lower your risk of developing serious symptoms that may require hospitalization or can even lead to death.
As we age, our immune system often doesn’t work as effectively, and any previous immunity to a virus can weaken. That is why getting vaccinated is especially important for older adults.
The National Institute of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following vaccines for older adults:
● Seasonal flu: Anyone 6 months or older should receive a yearly flu vaccine. Older adults should get the high-dose flu vaccine specifically designed for people 65 and older.
● Pneumococcal: Pneumonia is often a secondary condition caused by the flu, COVID-19 and other viruses. Experts recommend getting this vaccine if you have a chronic disease, have a weakened immune system or are 65 or older.
● Shingles (herpes zoster): When children get chickenpox, the virus can become active again as they get older and lead to shingles, which is a painful skin rash. To prevent this, experts recommend people 50 or older to get the two-dose vaccine.
● Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (TDAP): The TDAP vaccination is recommended for everyone and especially for people who are regularly around babies or young children. The vaccination helps prevent contracting whooping cough, tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria.
● COVID-19: Vaccines and boosters for COVID-19 are important for preventing or reducing serious symptoms. They help your immune system build better protection against the virus and its variants.
To learn more about how often you should receive vaccines, view the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Adult Immunization Schedule. Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance plans typically cover the cost of getting many of these vaccines. If you don’t have insurance, you might be eligible for assistance. To learn more or find a vaccine provider, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services Adult Safety Net Program website or call 800-252-9152.
For more information about programs and services for older adults, visit the Health and Human Services Age Well Live Well webpage or call 2-1-1.
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