Let’s face it: nobody enjoys getting shots. It takes us back to when we were kids, sitting in the doctor’s office with tears in our eyes, dreading the inevitable pinch of the needle.
But getting your recommended immunizations is a key component of healthy aging.
At Hopscotch Primary Care, we believe you deserve a voice when it comes to navigating your healthcare
We’re all about transparency, so you feel empowered in making choices for your health; we’ll be your trusted partner as you navigate your wellness path.
You’re not alone if you have questions when it comes to immunizations. You may wonder…
- Are they necessary?
- Why do some require multiple shots?
- Can vaccines make me sick?
We want to offer insight and advice on immunizations specifically for older adults to decide the best course of action.
No matter what you choose, we’re here to support and encourage you without judgment. We’re always here to answer your questions to help you determine which immunizations are right for you.
In this article, we’ll explore how immunizations work, which are recommended for seniors, and how Hopscotch Primary Care ensures you stay current on everything you need to be your best, healthiest self.
How do vaccines work and why are they important?
Vaccines benefit adults by proactively protecting against specific illnesses and diseases. Staying current on your immunizations is an important factor in preventative healthcare.
Vaccines work by stimulating your immune system and alerting it to a potential threat.
Vaccines give your immune system the information it needs to prepare itself for a future encounter with a pathogen. A pathogen is any type of illness or disease-causing bacteria, virus, or microorganism.
Each vaccine is designed to help your body battle a specific pathogen. Most contain weakened or dead versions of the germ they combat. This allows your immune system to familiarize itself with the pathogen it needs to fight.
In response to a vaccine, your immune system produces antibodies. Antibodies are key to your ability to fight off illness and disease.
A vaccine teaches your immune system to create antibodies to attack a specific pathogen. If it meets it again, it’s prepared to defend you from getting sick.
Vaccines are like an advanced training program that engage your body’s defenses to help you ward off illness when needed.
Sometimes, vaccines cause fatigue or discomfort for a day or two as your immune system mounts a response. It’s often a good idea to plan a day of rest following a vaccine. Many report these symptoms following a COVID-19 vaccine.
Your healthcare provider will tell you: getting vaccinated is safer than taking the risk of getting sick. Vaccines remain the safest, most effective way to protect yourself and those you love from preventable illnesses.
While getting shots isn’t the most comfortable part of going to the doctor, immunizations are a vital part of your health and wellness plan.
It’s strongly recommended that seniors stay current on a series of immunizations. Let’s review what these are and why they’re encouraged for adults over the age of 65.
Which immunizations are recommended for seniors?
As you age, your immune system ages with you meaning it can be less effective when fighting off illness.
Having an added layer of protection as you age is even more vital to your overall health and well-being. Vaccines provide extra support, giving your immune system what it needs to help you stay well.
Despite the increased risk for severe illness and even death, recent data shows older adults in this country don’t get vaccinated as often as they should.
Staying up to date on your recommended immunizations is a great way to invest in your health and show your peers the importance of vaccinations.
The following immunizations are strongly encouraged for seniors over the age of 65:
The flu vaccine
Nobody wants to mess with the flu. Influenza can cause serious health issues and complications in older adults, so it’s best not to take any chances when it comes to flu season.
This yearly vaccine can be given by your primary care provider or your local pharmacy by appointment. Its cost is covered by Medicare and/or private insurance, so you don’t need to worry.
COVID-19 vaccine
Unfortunately, Covid isn’t going away anytime soon. Its symptoms are often more serious in older adults, especially those with preexisting health conditions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly encourages older adults to stay current on their COVID-19 immunizations and boosters. Because this virus constantly evolves, getting regular boosters is the best way to defend yourself against the latest variants. The vaccine offers you greater protection from serious illness.
Learn more about the effectiveness of these shots, and find a place to receive your Covid booster.
Pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumococcal diseases are airborne infections that cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can be especially serious for older adults, carrying an increased risk of hospitalization and even death.
Because there are different forms of this vaccine, it’s wise to discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine which is best for you. Your Hopscotch Primary Care provider will be glad to guide you in making informed healthcare decisions.
You can also learn more about these vaccines from the CDC. These shots are also covered by Medicare and/or your private insurance.
Shingles vaccine
If you had chickenpox as a child, the virus that causes shingles is already in your body and in some cases it can become reactivated and lead to shingles.
Shingles is like a supercharged version of chickenpox that can be quite serious in older adults. Its symptoms impact nerves and can include pain, itching, burning, and a rash with blisters. It can even cause ongoing pain, through a persistent nerve condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia, or PHN.
That’s why doctors recommend the shingles vaccine for those aged 50 and over. The Shingrix vaccine is given in two doses and can help prevent serious illness from the shingles virus.
Your Hopscotch Primary Care clinic team can help you determine if this vaccine is right for you and can support you in exploring insurance coverage.
RSV vaccine
Odds are, you’ve probably had RSV at some point in your life. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually causes symptoms of the common cold and is prevalent in the fall and winter months.
RSV typically causes mild symptoms in healthy adults, but can be more serious in both young children and older adults, especially in older adults with chronic health conditions and compromised immune function.
If you’re over the age of 60, it’s wise to speak with your doctor about getting the RSV vaccine. This shot can help protect you against contracting RSV and lessen the severity of symptoms if you do.
Medicare Part D and private health insurance typically cover some or all of the cost of this immunization. Your Hopscotch Primary Care team can help you assess your unique coverage situation and support you in deciding if the RSV vaccine is right for you.
Tdap and Td vaccines
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, oh my! These three bacterial illnesses can cause serious issues in older adults. Many of us were immunized as children for these diseases, but enhancing your continued protection with booster shots is recommended every ten years.
If you’re unsure about your status for these boosters, ask your healthcare provider if you need an update. Your Hopscotch Primary Care provider will gladly research your most recent vaccination date and give you your booster if needed.
In addition to your age, your health status, work, and travel schedule can also impact which immunizations your doctor recommends.
You can take this online quiz from the CDC to learn which vaccines are recommended for you. You can also download this helpful guide, which outlines the recommended vaccines for adults of different age groups.
Important immunization considerations for seniors
You’ve probably noticed some vaccines are delivered in a single dose, while others require multiple doses for effectiveness. Some you get once, while others are needed yearly.
What gives?
Vaccines strengthen your body’s natural defenses against illness. Some require more than one dose to fully engage this response.
In many cases, the number of doses required depends on whether or not the antigen delivered by a vaccine is live.
Live-attenuated vaccines contain a living bacteria or virus that has been weakened or rendered harmless. These vaccines trigger your immune system to mount a strong proactive response to the pathogen they contain.
This type of vaccine often requires two doses, but offers long-lasting (sometimes lifelong) immunity.
Live vaccines are often not recommended for those with weakened immune systems due to risks of infection. If you’re immunocompromised be sure to discuss your vaccine options and concerns with your doctor.
Many vaccines do not contain live antigens. They require multiple doses and their level of protection fades over time.
The good news is that non-live vaccines are considered safer for those with weakened immune systems.
In some cases, you need updated vaccines to help protect you against mutated versions of certain pathogens. This is why you’re encouraged to get a yearly flu vaccine and regular Covid boosters as these illnesses regularly mutate and evolve.
As you age, it’s critically important to make informed choices about your health and wellness.
At Hopscotch Primary Care, we know you’re the expert on you which is why we always involve you in healthcare planning and treatment decision-making.
We work to offer all the information and guidance you need to make the best, most informed choices. We’re not here to judge or preach to you; we want to support you in living a healthy, happy life at every age.
If you have questions about vaccines, reach out to your local Hopscotch Primary Care provider! If we don’t have answers at our disposal, we promise to gather all the info you’ll need and get back to you as soon as possible.
With our personalized, comprehensive, senior-specific primary care, we’re here to guide and empower you through optimal health and wellness choices.
Find your nearest neighborhood Hopscotch clinic, explore our primary care services, become a patient online, and take advantage of our free resources to stay informed about your health and wellness as you age. Hopscotch is here for you! If you would like to receive news and updates from Hopscotch, please complete the “Stay Connected” form at the bottom of this page.