Immunizations in the Elderly
School has started! Many of us have rushed around and scheduled appointments for our children and grandchildren, purchased school uniforms and books ensuring they have a great school year and waited as the bus picked them up and returned them home on that first day of school.
Now it’s time to make sure that family caregivers and the elderly’s immunizations are up-to-date and make appointments for those needed.
Immunizations target viruses, fight them off and help our bodies form defenses against them. They keep us from being as sick as we could be if we contract the viruses. There are many different immunizations in the United States, with the list growing as new viruses and diseases emerge. There have been more than 607 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in the U.S. with 95% administered to persons over 65 years of age; 83% to children 5 years and older; and 88% to children 12 years and older. 22.7 million persons have taken second booster doses. Yet, COVID-19 and its long-term effects are still present throughout the nation.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following immunizations for those over 65 years of age with pre-existing illnesses and multiple chronic medical conditions:
1. COVID-19 vaccine: By now, most of us should have received two initial doses, booster 1 (2-6 months after initial doses depending on pharmaceutical company used) and booster 2 (4 months after booster 1). Future recommendations for a 3rd booster are being awaited.
2. Annual high-dose Flu shots that are available now through February 2023.
3. Tetanus toxoid booster every 10 years. If there is an injury, it is taken at time of injury to prevent rabies from animal bites and tetanus (“lockjaw”) from cuts and bruises.
4. Pneumococcal vaccine: One or two doses depending on type of vaccine received to prevent serious effects from pneumonia.
5. Shingles vaccine: 2 doses to prevent shingles or lessen the effects of them.
6. Hepatitis B vaccine: 1 to 3 doses for those at risk or depending on conditions being treated.
Monkeypox vaccines are available for those at risk. This includes those in contact with person(s) with disease, sexual partner(s) with disease, multiple sex partners with exposure and health care workers, especially laboratory workers handling specimens of monkeypox patients.
Immunizations (vaccines) are available in doctors’ offices and local pharmacies. Your health care provider will be able to provide you with a list of the immunizations you need. Medicare Parts A and B usually cover the cost of vaccines for flu, tetanus toxoid, pneumonia, hepatitis B if at risk and COVID-19. Check with Medicare to see if there may be out-of-pocket costs.
Caregivers need immunizations to protect them as they care for others. Remind your clients to get their immunizations on a regular basis. Flu season is upon us. Blessings for health and holistic healing.
Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
Medicare, 1-800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov
Rev. Jiles Taylor-George, RN, BSN, MSN is native of Tallahatchie County. She is a Certified Family Caregiver Support Group Facilitator and Certified Grief Counselor.
