What Vaccines Do Seniors Need?
Did you know that as we age, we require boosters for vaccines we received as children?
Although many of us have received some of these vaccinations as children, it’s important to know that they can wear off and that we are more susceptible to other diseases as adults.
Some of these boosters are suggested for ages 50+.
To help guide you through the various vaccination schedules, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a visual to ease the process.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to take all precautions necessary to stay healthy, and that includes getting recommended vaccinations. Depending on your living situation, some assisted living communities require their residents to be fully vaccinated as most of these conditions are highly transmittable.
Although this chart can seem overwhelming or confusing at first glance, it has been broken down below for further explanation. If you would like to learn more about each vaccine, click on the name and you will be redirected to the information page on the CDC’s website.
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020)
**This chart reflects the recommended vaccine scheduled for adults ages 19+ and does not contain information about important precautions or contraindications. If you have any questions, please consult your primary care physician.
Influenza
Ideal to receive the flu vaccine once a year
Typically released late august each year
Cost is typically free!
Spread from droplets when individuals who have the flu cough, talk, or sneeze.
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)
It is recommended that children receive first vaccination around 11 years of age.
Requires a booster every 10 years to stay effective.
According to the CDC, diphtheria and pertussis can easily be spread from person to person through social interaction and droplets.
An individual becomes infected by tetanus through cuts or wounds.
Varicella (Chickenpox)
It is recommended that individuals who have never had Chickenpox or the vaccine should receive two doses.
Zoster (Shingles)
For individuals ages 50+ years old, the CDC recommends a two-dose vaccination.
The Shingles virus is derived from the same virus that causes Chickenpox.
Individuals who have had the Chickenpox can have a shingles outbreak later in life. Shingles is spread when an individual who has not had the Chickenpox vaccine or the Chickenpox comes in direct contact with the blisters of an individual with a Shingles outbreak. If that individual is infected—they will get Chickenpox not Shingles.
Pneumococcal
Once an individual turns 65 years old
Also recommended for adults with additional risk factors including chronic medical conditions such as heart, lunch or liver, disease, alcoholism, cigarette smoking or immunocompromising conditions.
Medicare covers 100% of the cost of this vaccine.
With all that the world has been going through, ensuring you are up to date on your vaccines can provide you with peace of mind to know you are protected from other potential health threats.
Vaccines not only keep us healthy so we can continue to live our lives safely and to the fullest, but they also protect our loved ones!
Talk to your doctor today if you have any questions about vaccines or your immunization history.
