May 13, 2019 | Prevention of Illness and Management of Chronic Conditions
With all the recent news headlines about measles outbreaks and vaccinations, it’s a good reminder for people of all ages to evaluate their immunization schedule. Are you up-to-date on the immunizations required to strengthen your immune system against avoidable diseases?
Often, older adults assume that they don’t need to worry about this topic because of the vaccines that were given in childhood. The truth is that the CDC recommends a few key vaccines for seniors, helping you maintain optimal health in the later years of your life.
Recommended Adult Vaccines
The first step is to evaluate your immunization history with the recommended CDC adult immunization schedule. Your doctor can help you identify the vaccines that should be administered. Health professionals have found that protection from childhood vaccines can wear off with time.
These are some of the guidelines that should be considered to prevent the contraction and spread of serious diseases:
- Seasonal Flu: The flu strain changes each year, which means that all adults should receive a seasonal flu vaccine. This immunization is most important for older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women.
- Measles: Outbreaks have been reported across the country, making it more important than ever to stay current with your measles vaccination. The CDC recommends that people born between 1957 – 1967 should be revaccinated now.
- Tdap: If you did not receive a Tdap as an adolescent, then this vaccine is suggested to avoid the risk of whooping cough. Also, a Td booster is recommended every 10 years.
- Shingles: Older adults have a higher risk of shingles contraction, which is why it is a good idea to have a shingles vaccine.
- Pneumonia: This vaccine is recommended for adults 65 years or older, as well as children younger than 2 years old. People between these ages with specific medical conditions might also benefit from the pneumonia vaccine.
While illness and disease are a part of life, there are things that you can do to protect your health and avoid serious health concerns. Staying current with your vaccinations can be an important step in your overall health plan. Do you need assistance in designing a personalized healthcare plan or finding the right health care providers in the area? Windward Life Care is here to help. Call to learn about the available services.