Community Update (2/1/2023)

Wellness

COVID Booster shots and Flu Vaccine for Adults

Now is the time to get your COVID booster shot and flu vaccine. Opportunities to get COVID-19 vaccines and boosters and your flu shot are available in and around Arlington through pharmacies and other medical providers—visit vaccines.gov to find a location near you.

Why do Seniors Need Vaccines?  Here are Five to Get!

One might think that vaccines are important ONLY during childhood, to prevent diseases that would have been lethal a generation ago. But, this thinking is not correct.  As we age our immune systems decline and are less able to fight off infections, making seniors more vulnerable to diseases such as Influenza, COVID-19, Pneumonia and Shingles. These diseases are much harder on an 80 year old than on a 40 year old.  Plus, many of us have underlying conditions (including heart disease, diabetes, COPD and others) that render us worse off for complications from disease. And, while most vaccines cannot guarantee 100% protection, they lessen the strength and impact, as well as any lasting effects of the disease. So, five of the most important vaccines for seniors are:

• COVID-19 vaccine consists of a series of injections, plus boosters which are necessary to keep up an effective level of immunity. Even if you have had COVID-19, we are learning that the immunity declines over several months. Since some strains of COVID-19 make this a powerful disease that can cause lasting deficits, research has shown that the vaccines tend to change it from very severe to a usually manageable illness. Medications, such as Paxlovid taken within the first 5 days of onset, are often recommended for Seniors.
• Influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended for those over age 6 months, but especially for seniors and those with underlying conditions. Annual vaccines are developed from last year’s mutated disease to target the new annual flu strains.
• Pneumonia has two vaccines, to be taken one year apart. They target different viruses and bacteria that can cause pneumonia, thus expanding protection. Rates of pneumonia have decreased dramatically with the use of these vaccines.
• Shingles vaccine. Currently, the vaccine of choice is Shingrix, which is said to reduce your risk by 90%. Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in your nerve tissue, and it can possibly reactivate as shingles. Your risk for shingles increases as you age, and 1 out of 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime. Like chickenpox, shingles causes a blistery rash but usually only on one side of the body, and along nerve routes. It is very painful and disabling when you have it and can leave lasting painful after-effects. It is contagious; you cannot give someone shingles, but if they have not had chickenpox (or the chickenpox vaccine), you can give them chickenpox—not fun for those at an older age. It is very important to seek out medical care. There is effective medication treatment but start as soon as you can.
• Tetanus, Pertussis and Diphtheria. Tetanus is caused by a bacteria carried in soil, dust and manure. It enters the body through a break in the skin. While stepping on a rusty nail (the classic example) may not be likely for you, gardening and getting one’s hands in the soil (and having a scrape on your hand) is a deceptively easy way to get this. The vaccine, needed every ten years, is highly effective. It is often given with Pertussis, or whooping cough vaccine as that disease can be severe in older people; the combination is called a Tdap vaccine. This combined vaccine is highly recommended for anyone who will be around or holding a young baby, so grandparents take heed.

First, talk to your health care provider to learn which vaccines are important for you. Ask about side effects, the spacing of injections and which vaccines are best for you.  People with some specific health conditions will be advised to not get certain vaccines, but since this is an individual matter, best to review with your health team so you don’t miss out on those vaccines that can give you protection!