Healthy Living: Vaccines for seniors
In the U.S. there are more senior citizens now than ever, taking care of their health is essential and it starts with prevention.
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"We talk about senior care and lot of it is prevention maintaining the maintenance exams and tests," said Dr. Ed Yoon.
Because vaccines for kids are frequent, schedules are set up as reminders, but what about adults, various shots are recommended but which ones and for whom? One common vaccine is the seasonal flu shot which is recommended for most adults, and certainly by at age 50, also, it's recommended for people who have a chronic illness or a weak immune system.You may remember tetanus, it's good for just ten years.
A tetanus, nowadays up to the age of 65 and a tetanus shot and a booster for pertussis there have been outbreaks of pertussis and not only effects the older population but also younger population very important."
Other shots recommended according to the mayo clinic include the Pneumonia shot. You can get this vaccine any time but is strongly recommended at age 65, if you have a weak immune system, kidney disease, if you've had an organ or bone marrow transplant, or you've had your spleen removed. And if the Chickenpox vaccine is not just for kids, you'll need this vaccine if you've never had the chickenpox and especially if you live with someone who has a weak immune system, and If you have had chicken pox, you could benefit from the Zostafax vaccine which can prevent shingles and is offered at age 60. Meningacoccal- vaccine. for meningitis vaccine is a good idea if you didn't have it as a child or adolescent and you're living in a senior community residence for the first time. And before you sign up for any flu or pneumonia shot at your local drug store, be sure to check with your doctor first, some vaccines can cause allergic reactions or problems with your medications.
It's not uncommon as we age to be placed on certain medications and some people are on quite a few. It's critically important to manage your medication carefully.
"If there is any confusion you should not be embarrassed about it, it happens to everyone ask for help," said Yoon.
Even if you are not confused about your medicine, it's always a good idea to take a trip to your pharmacist to have an expert review what you are taking.