In the last year, we have become more aware of vaccinations and their potential importance for anyone considering getting them. Additionally, seniors may be hesitant to get immunized and may want to know the pros and cons of immunizations. As always you should discuss your questions and determine whether a vaccination is good for you.

Vaccines have been important for adults over the age of 65, as stated by the US Health and Human Services Website. This is because as we age, our immune systems become more compromised and that leaves us open to infections that can be difficult to fight off. An estimated 45,000 seniors die annually from issues related to vaccine-preventable diseases like pneumonia, flu, and shingles. We don’t share this to scare you, but rather show how important it is to be vaccinated after you reach a certain age. Immunizing Seniors also protects you from HPV and Hepatitis B, which are two of the leading causes of cancer.

In contrast there are well known doctors and scientific sources that have evidence that shows a list of side-effects from vaccines. These can range from Stroke to birth defects in children of mothers that have taken vaccines. As always you should do your own research to identify your personal position.

Just Because You Don’t See It Often, Doesn’t Mean It’s Disappeared

Many seniors believe that since they haven’t heard of certain diseases in the last few years, that they must have been completely irradiated. But the truth is, just because you haven’t heard of an illness in a while, doesn’t mean they have gone away. Basically, this means that the vaccinations people are receiving are doing their jobs. However, there is always the risk of travelers importing illnesses that are no longer common in the US, such as measles. They help to protect you from complications due to vaccine-preventable diseases such as long-term illness and hospitalization. This is why it’s so important for seniors to keep their vaccinations up to date, as there may be new ones available, and you may not have been completely vaccinated as a child.

National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the CDC is offering an adult vaccination assessment tool to find which vaccines you may be eligible for. The government and CDC assure us that all vaccines are safe for use and are the most successful intervention for the public to prevent the spread of disease and prevent complications, illness, and death from preventable diseases. However, the CDC admits that no vaccine is 100% effective and Caregiver Agencies have seen how this can be true.  

The Risks Of Vaccinations and Immunizations For Seniors

As stated by the Department of Health and Environment how well a vaccine works, or its efficacy varies from person to person as well as from vaccine to vaccine. For example, the flu shot protects young people more so than those of a certain age. The efficacy of immunizations also has a lot to do with the health status of the person receiving them. Many of the Vaccines that have been administered over the years have some risk of soreness at the injection site, fever, and allergic reactions as well as some serious side effects. These sides effects, though less common, need to be evaluated along with the complications and death from vaccine-preventable diseases. Always discuss with your doctor, about what is right for you. 

Ultimately it is your choice. Feel free to ask your in-home care providers to take you to your doctor so that you can have a detailed conversation about your choices.

Care Choice Home Care is a caregiver agency that can provide you with a caregiver that helps you with everything from personal companionship to getting you to your doctor’s appointments.