National Immunization Awareness Month: A Health Reminder for Clearwater Seniors

The world's first successful vaccine was created in England in 1796. Since then, vaccines have played a pivotal role in improving global health.

Many people associate vaccines with young children, but they're also a key part of preventative care for seniors. National Immunization Awareness Month highlights the critical role of vaccines in public health. Summer in Clearwater, FL, is the perfect time for the beach or the pool, but your year-round health should also be a priority.

Take advantage of National Immunization Awareness Month to learn which vaccines you may need and start your senior vaccine checklist.

Flu (Influenza)

The flu vaccine is at the top of your senior vaccine checklist. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu shot. The virus changes over time, which is why a new vaccine is needed every year.

Influenza is a viral infection of the nose and throat that can also affect the lungs. It causes a range of symptoms, including:

Fever
Headache
Chills
Sore throat
Nasal congestion
Muscle aches

Older adults have a higher risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia or sinus and ear infections.

The influenza vaccine is usually available starting in late summer. Getting vaccinated before the end of October is best because the vaccine takes at least two weeks to be fully effective.

Your healthcare provider may recommend a flu vaccine specifically for seniors. These versions of the vaccine are stronger and can provide better protection. The two options are:

Higher dose flu vaccine
Adjuvanted flu vaccine, with an ingredient called an adjuvant that makes your immune system respond more strongly

Medicare Part B and most private insurance plans cover the flu vaccine. You can get it at your doctor's office, the local health department, and at many pharmacies. In Florida, you don't need a prescription to get vaccinated at a pharmacy.

The thought of getting a shot causes anxiety for some people. Talk with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have about getting vaccinated. They're one of the best sources of reliable information and immunization tips for older adults.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is another virus that changes over time, so the CDC recommends that older adults stay up-to-date with the current vaccine. People age 65 and older should get two doses.

COVID-19 may feel like a cold or the flu, with symptoms that include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath

Seniors are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19 and require hospitalization.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, cover the COVID-19 vaccine. Check with your insurance provider to verify your coverage and find a provider in your network.

Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal disease causes infections including pneumonia, meningitis, and blood poisoning. The CDC recommends the pneumococcal vaccine for people age 50 and older.

Two types of pneumococcal vaccines are available:

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV)
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV)

Each type protects against certain strains of the bacteria.

Talk with your healthcare provider about the vaccine schedule that's best for you. The CDC recommends PCV20 or PCV21 for adults aged 50 and older if you haven't received a PCV before. You could also get PCV15 followed by PPSV23.

If you received PCV13 at any age and PPSV23 at age 65 or older, you have the option of getting PCV20 or PCV21 also.

Shingles

Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause painful blistering.

People age 50 and older should get the shingles vaccine. The vaccine requires two doses. You should get vaccinated even if you had chickenpox or don't remember whether you had it, and also if you've already had shingles.

If you received the Zostavax vaccine in the past, you should ask your healthcare provider whether you should get the newer Shingrix. Shingrix is more effective and offers longer-lasting protection against shingles.

Medicare Part D and many private insurance plans cover the shingles vaccine. Check with your insurance company to find an in-network provider.

RSV

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) usually causes cold-like symptoms that are relatively mild. Seniors and people who have a chronic disease or weakened immune system are more likely to develop severe symptoms. Complications include pneumonia and airway inflammation.

If you're between the ages of 50 and 74, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should get the RSV vaccine. The CDC recommends that everyone age 75 and older be vaccinated against RSV.

You're most likely to catch RSV in the fall and winter, so try to get vaccinated before the season starts. Check with Medicare or your insurance plan to see if the RSV vaccine is covered.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis

Tdap vaccines protect against:

Tetanus
Diphtheria
Pertussis (whooping cough)

Td vaccines protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

All three diseases are caused by bacteria. Tetanus symptoms include:

Involuntary muscle spasms
Jaw cramps
Difficulty breathing

Diphtheria causes a thick buildup in the nose and throat that makes breathing and swallowing very difficult. Pertussis causes uncontrollable, severe coughing fits.

Adults should get a booster shot of Tdap or Td every 10 years or if they may have been exposed to tetanus. Ask your healthcare provider when you should get your next booster shot.

Other Vaccines to Consider

Your healthcare provider may recommend other vaccines depending on your situation. Vaccines to consider include:

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Meningococcal

If you plan to travel internationally or have certain risk factors, some of these vaccines could be beneficial. Talk to your doctor to be sure you get all the recommended vaccines for your destination. Vaccination is essential for wellness in Clearwater and beyond.

National Immunization Awareness Month for Your Health

National Immunization Awareness Month is the ideal time to talk with a healthcare professional about vaccines you may need. Flu and shingles shots may be the first to come to mind, but your doctor may recommend others like COVID-19, RSV, or Tdap.

For support on your wellness journey in Clearwater Beach, you can rely on the professional staff at Belleair Towers. Our community offers independent living with supportive services. You maintain your independent lifestyle while taking advantage of our convenient housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation options.

Schedule a tour of Belleair Towers today to experience the balance of independence and support that makes us stand out.