Page 7 - 2015 Senior Expo Three Rivers Edition

Vaccines to consider
A look at recommended immunizations for people 50 and older
Routine immunizations can keep peo- ple safe and healthy. Certain vaccinations can prevent diseases from producing symp- toms, while others can lessen the dura- tion of an illness or make conditions less severe.
Vaccination schedules become a way of life for parents of young children. But vaccinations aren’t just for kids, and adults should keep tabs on their immunization histories to ensure that they’re up to date with vaccinations for their particular age group and lifestyle.
“It’s never too late to vaccinate,” said Christy Campbell, pharmacist and owner of Lowery Drug Mart in Searcy. “In gener- al, vaccine-preventable diseases are more serious in the senior population. Vaccines need to be seen by seniors not only as a way to stop numerous diseases, but mainly as a way to live long and healthy lives.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that the elderly are more likely to die of a vaccine-preventable dis- ease than other age groups. The immune system begins to decline as we age, so the body can benefit from the disease-fighting boost provided by vaccinations. Individ- uals at any age should discuss immuniza- tions with their doctors, but it’s a partic- ularly important conversation for those ages 50 and older.
Vaccine schedules and recommenda- tions may vary depending on where a per- son lives, but the following immunization recommendations are offered by the CDC.
Influenza
An annual flu shot can help prevent the nearly 36,000 deaths that occur as a result of flu each year in the United States. The flu vaccine is designed to combat the current strain of flu, so it is recommended to get the vaccine anytime from Septem- ber through March, the prime flu season. People ages 50 and older should opt for the injection rather than the nasal form of the vaccine.
“An injectable flu vaccine does not contain any live virus, so you cannot get the flu from this vaccine,” Campbell said. “Flu vaccination is recommended every
year, and viruses are always changing. The flu vaccine cannot prevent all cases of flu, but it is the best defense against the disease.”
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis and is especially necessary for people who have close contact with young infants. Pertussis, or whooping cough, can be passed on to youngsters and make them very ill.
“Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis can be very serious diseases, even for senior adults,” Campbell said. “The Tdap vaccine can protect from these diseases.”
If you’ve never received a Tdap vac- cine, the CDC suggests getting it at least once. Individual tetanus boosters should be received every 10 years.
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the pneumococcus bacteria. It can cause pneumonia, blood infections, ear infections and even bacterial menin- gitis. This vaccine is given to adults age 65 and older or to younger adults at their physicians’ discretion.
Campbell said Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar13 are two options for the pneu- mococcal vaccine. The Pneumovax 23 vaccine protects against 23 types of pneu- mococcal bacteria, including those most likely to cause serious disease. Prevnar13 protects against 13 of the more than 90 types of pneumococcal bacteria. These 13 strains cause about half of infections in adults, she said.
Hepatitis A
Individuals with medical, occupation- al or lifestyle conditions such as those of health care workers or people with chronic liver disease may need a two-dose series of the hepatitis A vaccine.
“Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease and is spread by personal contact and sometimes eating food or drinking water containing the hepatitis A virus,” Camp- bell said. “Senior citizens should be rou- tinely vaccinated with Hepatitis A vaccine
Because of an older immune system, the elderly can benefit from several vaccines and disease- fighting boosters.
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if they have chronic liver disease or are being treated with clotting-factor concen- trates. Two doses of the vaccine are need- ed for lasting protection, and these doses should be given at least six months apart.”
Adults who are avid travelers to various parts of the world that may bring them in contact with animals or people who do not receive the same course of immunizations may need additional vaccines. Speak with a doctor about which immunizations are recommended before travel.
Shingles
Caused by the same virus as chicken- pox, it is estimated that around one-third
of the U.S. population will get shingles, and the risk rises after 50 years of age. Zos- tavax, a vaccine for shingles, was licensed in 2006, and in clinical trials, the vaccine reduced the risk of shingles by 50 percent, Campbell said.
“The vaccine is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for people age 50 years and older. However, the CDC only recommends a single dose of Zos- tavax for adults 60 years of age and older,” Campbell said.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative Services, with contributions by Wendy Miller, special sections writer