VACCINES AFTER 55: PROTECTING YOUR HEALTH AND INDEPENDENCE

by Jennifer Golden, RPh.

Vaccines After 55: Protecting Your Health and Independence

As we grow older, staying healthy becomes more important than ever. One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your health is through vaccination. While many of us received vaccines as children, immunity can fade over time—and new health risks can emerge as we age. The importance of vaccination increases as you age. Each year, thousands of adults in the U.S. are hospitalized due to diseases that vaccines can help prevent. Even if you’ve been healthy most of your life, your immune system naturally weakens with age, making you more vulnerable to infections and complications. Vaccines don’t just protect you—they also help protect your loved ones and your community. When more people are vaccinated, diseases have fewer chances to spread.

Vaccines That Can Help You Stay Well

Some key vaccines recommended for adults 55 and older are flu, shingles, pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tetanus diptheria pertussis (Tdap), and travel vaccines (yellow fever, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, and malaria). All adults need a flu vaccine every year since it can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, heart attack, and hospital stays. The flu vaccine reduces risk of flu-related heart issues, lowers hospitalizations for people with diabetes and lung disease, and protects those around you including grandchildren and others with weaker immune systems. The shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 and older. The vaccine is Shingrix® and is given in 2 doses, 2–6 months apart. About 1 in 3 people will get shingles, a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The vaccine is up to 97% effective in preventing shingles and 91% effective in preventing long-term nerve pain (PHN).

Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) vaccines are recommended for all adults aged 65 and older and those with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes. Patients may receive a single dose of PCV20 (Prevnar 20®), PCV21 (Capvaxive®), or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23®) if they have not previously been vaccinated or if their vaccination history is unknown. Talk to your doctor; your health history will determine which vaccine is best for you. Pneumonia can be deadly, and vaccination helps reduce the risk of community spread protecting those who areunable to be vaccinated and decrease hospitalization. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 75 and older and adults aged 50-74 who are at increased risk because of chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and coronary artery disease (CAD). With one single dose, the vaccine reduces risk of hospitalization and emergency room visits and RSV-related deaths especially during peak season. RSV can lead to lung and lower respiratory airway infections spread by cough/sneeze, contact with someone who is sick with the virus, and touching your face after contact with surface containing the virus. A booster dose tetanus,diptheria and pertussis (Tdap) should be given every 10 years. Even though these diseases are rare, they can be very serious.

Tetanus enters through cuts and be fatal. Diptheria is a respiratory infection that can cause heart failure. Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe coughing and breathing problems. Finally, travel vaccines are important for those planning a trip abroad based on the destination. Consult with your healthcare provider or a travel clinic to see what vaccines and medications are recommended. You may need yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, malaria prevention or Japanese encephalitis to provide protection and reduce risk against serious illnesses endemic in the area of your destination. Treatment may be limited or unavailable at your destination.

Who needs it: Patients planning a trip abroad should seek additional information from a healthcare provider or travel clinic based on the destination.

Why it matters:

Patients traveling abroad my need vaccines for:

• Yellow Fever

• Typhoid

• Cholera

• Malaria

• Japanese Encephalitis

Benefits:

• Vaccination can provide protection and reduces risk against serious illnesses endemic in the area of your destination

• Treatment may be limited or unavailable at your destination

• Vaccination can reduce risk of bringing serious disease with you when you return home

Are Vaccines Safe?

Yes. Most vaccine side effects are mild—like a sore arm or low-grade fever—and go away quickly. Serious side effects are extremely rare. In fact, the risks of the diseases far outweigh the risks of the vaccines.

Cost and Coverage

• Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, cover recommended vaccines.

• Vaccines save billions in healthcare costs every year.

• Preventing illness means fewer doctor visits, hospital stays, and missed time with loved ones.

Your Pharmacist Can Help

Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals. They can:

• Review your vaccination history

• Recommend vaccines based on your age and health

• Administer many vaccines right in the pharmacy

Building a relationship with your pharmacist can help you stay on top of your health needs.

Final Thoughts

Vaccines are a powerful tool to help you stay active, independent, and healthy as you age. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist today about which vaccines are right for you. Protecting your health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself—and those you love.