4 Important Vaccines for Adults Over 50 | Angus Lake Healthcare
When people reach the age of 50, their immune system naturally starts to weaken. A weakened immune system means less protection when certain viruses and bacteria attack, which can often lead to severe health issues for the infected person. Fortunately, vaccines are available to shield older adults against painful and sometimes life-threatening health complications from such infections.
The following are 4 vaccines that adults over 50 should be sure to receive.
Flu Vaccine (once a year)
The flu vaccine is the only one that patients should receive every year. There are over 100 strains of the flu virus at any given point, and each strand undergoes mutation from one year to the next. Within the 100+ variations, scientists can track the most common strain mutations and develop protective vaccines against them.
Because the flu virus generally affects older patients more harshly than younger patients (patients 65 and older make up 60% of flu-related hospitalizations), it’s crucial to maintain vaccination against the flu every year.
Flu season strikes the hardest in the colder months, from fall to early or mid-spring. It’s best to receive your flu vaccine in the autumn months to shield yourself against the virus all season long.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (every 10 years)
It’s typical to administer the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine (also known as Tdap) to children to protect them against tetanus infections, diphtheria infections, and whooping cough (pertussis). However, some people make it to adulthood without receiving this vaccine earlier in their life. If you are over 50 and have never received a Tdap vaccine, it’s wise to receive it to strengthen your immunity against these harmful infections.
If you have received a Tdap vaccine, stay updated on your booster shot schedule. Patients should receive a Tdap booster shot every 10 years for complete protection.
Shingles (2 doses for those 50 or older)
Shingles is a painful infection that comes from the same virus that causes chickenpox, and 33% of people over the age of 50 contract the virus. Fortunately, the shingles vaccine is up to 97% effective in protecting patients from developing shingles and its often-debilitating symptoms. Patients who have already had chickenpox are just as susceptible to developing shingles as those who have never experienced the virus, so it’s crucial to receive the vaccine and shield yourself against it.
The shingles vaccine only requires two rounds of shots which should be administered within six months of each other.
Pneumococcal Vaccine (2 doses for those 65 or older)
Pneumococcal vaccines protect against pneumococcal disease caused by the bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae (more commonly known as pneumococcus).
Adults 65 years or older are at a high risk of developing pneumococcal disease and can contract infection easily from other people. Children often carry the bacteria and can spread it through coughing, sneezing, and being in close contact with someone.
If contracted, pneumococcal bacteria can cause harm to your lungs, bloodstream, and brain function. That’s why it’s important to receive both rounds of the vaccine at age 65 to prevent infection.