Remember dreading those yearly physicals when you were a kid – and the accompanying vaccinations? Oh, how I hated to go to the doctor, and I’m sure my children weren’t too fond of those visits either. We were always told that those “shots” would keep us healthy, words which mean very little to a child. As a younger adult, I willingly chose a couple of visits to the Health Department for special vaccines needed for traveling out of the United States. At that time, I never thought that as a senior citizen, I’d be subject to more annual vaccinations. Yet as we age, some of those injections we received so many years ago no longer provide the immunity they once did, and surprise! It’s not just the annual flu shot that we need.
Below are a few vaccinations, both one-time and annual ones, that your medical professional may recommend you get.
*Shingles. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. If you contracted chicken pox when you were younger, you are at risk for shingles now. That varicella virus stays in your system forever. According to one online source, about half of people over 60 get shingles. “The shingles vaccine can lower your risk of getting the condition, which causes rash, headache, chills, upset stomach and terrible pain.” It can even cause long-lasting nerve damage. The vaccine is approved for those 50 and over and recommended for 60+. The vaccine cuts your chances of contracting the disease by 50% and may help you avoid more serious complications. Don’t get the shingles vaccine if you are allergic to gelatin, neomycin, or have a weakened immune system. or are pregnant or nursing. Some people with auto-immune diseases like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, take biologic drugs or high-dose steroids should not take the vaccine.
Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DPT. Most of us were vaccinated with the DPT vaccine when we were babies or small children. But medical experts now recommend a booster to ensure continued immunity.
Measle, Mumps, Rubella (MMR). Again, many of us suffered through the diseases themselves when we were children. Talk to your medical professional about reasons you should repeat it. Be aware that if you are being treated with drugs that affect your immune system, you should not have this vaccine. Also, if you are HIV-Positive, being treated for cancer, have ever suffered a low platelet count or recently had a blood transfusion, you may not have this vaccine. Your physician will know for sure.
Pneumonia. It is recommended that those of us of a certain age should have a pneumonia vaccination to prevent the disease. Again, talk to your doctor.
Flu. Those of us over a 60 and especially those with compromised immune systems should discuss the flu shot with your physician. Many people believe the flu shot causes more problems that it prevents. The decision should be yours.
While there are other vaccinations that might benefit seniors, your physician knows you best and can best recommend what would benefit you.
