As the flu season approaches, older adults are urged to ensure their vaccinations are current. According to Dr. Chris Vercammen, a general internist and medical director at Remo Health, maintaining an updated vaccination schedule is vital for preventing serious illnesses in this age group. Here are the six key vaccines recommended for individuals aged 60 and older in the coming months.
Flu Vaccine: A Top Priority
The flu vaccine is deemed the most crucial vaccination for anyone over the age of six months, particularly for those aged 50 and above. Dr. Grant Fowler, chair of family medicine at the Burnett School of Medicine at Texas Christian University, highlights the urgency of this vaccine. Last year, a decline in vaccination rates led to approximately 27,000 deaths, with the majority occurring in individuals aged 65 and older. Dr. Fowler noted that vaccination rates fell below pre-pandemic levels, making this year’s flu vaccine even more essential.
Dr. Vercammen supports this view, emphasizing that older adults face significantly higher risks of severe complications from the flu. He recommends receiving the vaccine annually, ideally by the end of October. For patients over 65, he often advises either a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine, which is formulated to elicit a stronger immune response.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Staying Updated
COVID-19 remains a serious health concern, particularly for older adults. Dr. Vercammen stresses the importance of staying updated on COVID-19 vaccinations, as this virus can lead to more severe outcomes than the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals over 65 receive two doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine, spaced six months apart, especially if they have risk factors.
Other Important Vaccinations
In addition to the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, several other immunizations are critical for older adults. The TDAP vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, is recommended once every ten years. Dr. Fowler noted a recent increase in pertussis cases, making this vaccine important not only for older adults but also for protecting young children.
The relatively new RSV vaccine is recommended for individuals over 75 or for those over 50 with specific risk factors, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cardiovascular disease. Dr. Vercammen advises considering the RSV vaccine at age 60, depending on individual health assessments.
Pneumococcal vaccines are also vital for individuals aged 65 and older, as they help prevent severe diseases caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, including pneumonia and meningitis. Dr. Vercammen strongly advocates for this vaccination due to its protective benefits.
Lastly, the shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, is crucial for those over 50. Dr. Vercammen points out that shingles can cause significant pain, and the two-dose series is highly effective at preventing the virus and its complications.
Additional Health Practices
In addition to vaccinations, Dr. Vercammen and Dr. Fowler recommend several health practices to bolster overall well-being. These include:
– Practicing good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently.
– Avoiding touching the face, particularly during flu season.
– Steering clear of crowded places during outbreaks.
– Wearing masks in crowded settings during epidemics.
– Scheduling regular wellness screenings with a primary care provider.
– Engaging in regular exercise, such as walking or resistance training, to prevent falls.
– Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day on average.
– Undergoing hearing evaluations and using hearing aids when necessary.
– Getting vision checks to reduce fall risks.
– Maintaining a balanced diet and prioritizing quality sleep.
As flu season approaches, older adults are encouraged to consult with healthcare providers to ensure they are up-to-date on essential vaccinations and to adopt these health practices for better overall health.