Immunization Update
for Seniors

Vaccines aren't just for children.  Every year, thousands of American adults become ill, are disabled, or die of diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines.

Although infectious diseases are no longer the most common causes of death for older Americans, pneumonia and influenza remain among the top 10 causes of death for seniors, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The following guide can help you determine if you need to be immunized.  Talk to your health care provider to be sure your immunizations are up to date.

Influenza
An annual flu shot is recommended for all adults 65 and older (and for anyone 50 to 64 years old who has a chronic medical condition that puts him or her at risk for complications from the flu), the CDC says.  The flu shot is especially important for older adults because flu can cause major complications and death, especially among those in poor health.  (People not in this age group who are in close contact with someone at high risk for the flu also should get vaccinated).

Although a nasal spray flu vaccine is now available as an alternative to a vaccine given by injection, the nasal spray vaccine is not approved for people older than 49.

The best time to get vaccinated is in October or November, as flu season begins.  If you miss getting a vaccination at that time, getting the vaccine in December or later may still be beneficial, according to the CDC.  Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about the flu shot.

Bacterial Pneumonia
The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all adults 65 and older.  (Anyone younger than 65 who has HIV or diabetes, has substance abuse problems, or has chronic liver, heart, lung, or renal disease also should get the vaccination, the CDC says).  People age 65 or older should get a booster shot if they received their first vaccination before age 65 and more than five years have elapsed.  Adults with certain medical conditions should also receive a one-time booster five years after the first vaccination.  Talk to your health care provider before getting this vaccination if you have a chronic health problem.

Tetanus
Tetanus immunization is recommended every 10 years for all adults.  This is especially important for older adults because they have thinner skin and may be more vulnerable to tetanus-infected cuts and puncture wounds.  Call your health care provider if you have a puncture wound or injury that breaks the skin and you haven't had a tetanus immunization or booster in five years.  The tetanus booster is given along with a booster for diphtheria.

If you did not receive at least three doses of the tetanus/diphtheria vaccine (DTP, DTap or DT) in the past, you should bring yourself up to date with the tetanus/diphtheria (Td) booster.  Once you have received the Td booster, you should get a Td booster every 10 years.

Diphtheria
This vaccine is required if you haven't had a booster shot in 10 years or more.  It's usually given along with the tetanus booster.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
A pertussis booster vaccine for teens and adults through age 64 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005.  The booster vaccine is combined with the booster vaccines for tetanus and diphtheria.  The pertussis booster is a one-time vaccine, however; boosters for tetanus and diphtheria are given every 10 years.

Polio
Most older adults don't need a polio vaccine because they were vaccinated as children.  If you are in one of the following high-risk groups, however, the CDC recommends that you talk to your health care provider about the polio vaccine:

• If you travel to areas of the world where polio is common
• If you are a laboratory worker who might handle the polio virus
• If you are a health care worker who deals with patients who could have polio

If you are in one of these groups, your health care provider may recommend that you get a polio booster even if you have had three of more doses of the vaccine in the past. If you did not receive at least three doses of the vaccine, your provider may recommend that you get the doses you are lacking.

Hepatitis A
You should have the hepatitis A vaccine if you are in one of these high-risk groups:

• You travel to areas of the world where hepatitis A is common
• You have chronic liver disease
• You work as a food handler

The CDC recommends at least two doses of the vaccine for lasting protection; these doses should be given at least six months apart.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended if you are at increased risk for exposure to hepatitis B.  Your risk is higher if:

• You engage in high-risk sexual activity
• You are treated with clotting factor products
• You have chronic liver disease
• You are a dialysis patient
• You are in a nursing home or other institution
• You are a health care worker or work in a health care setting
• You travel abroad
• You used injected drugs
• You are exposed to hepatitis B through a family member or live-in friend

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
The MMR vaccine protects against these deadly diseases.  Ask your health care provider if you need this shot.

Varicella
The varicella, or chickenpox, immunization is recommended if you haven't had chickenpox, and if you're a health care or child care worker or a resident or staff member in an institutional setting, or you're in the military or travel internationally.

Source

Krames Staywell

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