Getting Vaccinated as an Older Adult

Vaccines are most well-known in childhood, and in fact, most vaccines are given before a person is 5 years old.  However, vaccines are just as important for older adults.  

As the human body ages, immunity begins to decrease and this puts older adults at risk of diseases that weren't a risk in their younger years.  These diseases include influenza, shingles, pneumoccal bacteria and respiratory syncytial virus.

An important point to know about vaccines is that they don't always prevent infection from the specific disease.  This doesn't mean the vaccine didn't work though.  If a vaccinated person gets infected with the disease they were vaccinated against, the symptoms are a lot less severe and are less likely to cause hospitalization or death.

INFLUENZA

Influenza, or "flu," is one of the most common infections and can have severe consequences.  Many people are hospitalized and die each year from influenza and problems the virus causes.  Periodically, the influenza virus changes enough that it can cause a lot more infections than the normal number.  When the infection rate increases like this it is called a pandemic or epidemic.  The 1918 Spanish Flu is an example of a flu pandemic.  

Since the influenza virus can change frequently, vaccines also need to change to make sure people's immune systems match the virus getting spread that season.  The flu season in the United States is in the fall and winter.  This is the time of year when the virus is spread the most.  Influenza vaccines are given every year, at the beginning of the flu season (around September or October in the United States).  People over the age of 65 years should receive a higher dose vaccine than the younger population.

PNEUMOCOCCAL

Pneumococcal vaccines and shingles vaccines are not given as frequently as the influenza vaccines, but they are just as important.  

Pneumococcus is a bacteria that can lead to hospitalization and death.  The vaccines that prevent pneumoccal infection should not be called pneumonia vaccines.  Though they can help prevent pneumonia, they are better at preventing the bacteria from infecting the blood (called bacteremia).  There are two types of vaccines used to prevent pneumoccal bacteria.  Older adults should have a discussion with their pharmacist or doctor to determine if one or both of the pneumoccal vaccines are needed.  In general, only one or two doses of a pneumoccal vaccine is needed after the age of 65 years, unless there are special circumstances.

SHINGLES

The shingles vaccine requires two doses after the age of 50 years.  Shingles is caused by a virus and can result in a rash that is very painful.  The rash can end up infected and result in scars on the skin and/or long-term pain.  

TETANUS and PERTUSSIS

Tetanus is an infection that can be a threat to any age group, so it isn't specific to older adults.  However, it's still important to keep up to date with a tetanus shot every 10 years.  There is a type of tetanus shot that includes a pertussis booster, which is a good alternative for grandparents who will be around infants.  

After getting any vaccine it is possible to feel "under the weather" for a couple days.  This doesn't mean you have an infection, but is likely a sign that your immune system is working.  After receiving a vaccine, it takes about two weeks to develop protection.  After this immunity develops, an infection with the natural virus or bacteria will result in mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

Vaccines are some of the most important treatments in the medical world.  They are some of the most effective ways to prevent diseases, rather than treating after the diseases develop.  Make sure you keep up to date on vaccines by discussing your vaccination status with your community pharmacist.