Vaccines Recommended for Seniors: What Emeryville Residents Need
.jpg)
In 2024, the COVID-Net Surveillance team determined that older adults continued to have a higher hospitalization rate due to COVID-19. According to their data, there was nearly one COVID-associated hospitalization for every 100 persons.
For many seniors, the same applies to diseases caused by other viruses. Senior immunizations stand as the strongest line of defense against things like the flu and shingles. Flu and shingles vaccines are easily accessible at one of the many pharmacies and senior centers in Emeryville, CA.
Here are some of the many vaccines recommended for seniors to stay healthy.
Why Are Vaccines Important for Seniors?
As people grow older, their ability to fight off infections declines. Seniors are more likely to suffer complications from diseases that younger people recover from quickly.
For example, the flu can develop into pneumonia. Shingles can lead to long-term nerve pain. Vaccinations are a proven tool to help seniors live longer, healthier lives with fewer disruptions from preventable illness.
On top of that, seniors often deal with ongoing issues including dementia, heart disease, and diabetes. These all make it even harder for the senior body to fight off infection.
Essential Vaccines Recommended for Seniors
There are five main options that should be on your vaccine checklist for seniors. These include the flu and shingles vaccines, as well as pneumococcal, Tdap, and COVID-19 boosters.
Together, the five vaccines protect seniors from debilitating and potentially fatal diseases that younger people might shrug off.
Flu Shot
Influenza hospitalizes thousands of seniors annually and can be fatal in older populations. Even younger people often find themselves bedridden due to the flu.
Seniors should get the influenza vaccine every year, before flu season begins. The reason is that the flu shot only lasts about six months.
The high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines are specifically designed for adults aged 65 and up. They offer better protection than the kind that younger adults can get.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which can lie dormant in a person's body for decades. Contracting shingles can lead to serious complications like postherpetic neuralgia, which is long-lasting pain.
Despite the complications, shingles isn't considered a dangerous health risk. Most people recover and can resume their usual activities in time. People who have a higher risk of complications include:
- People with autoimmune conditions
- People with weakened immune systems
- Anyone over the age of 65
The vaccination requires two doses, two to three months apart, for anyone aged 50 and over. Even if you've had shingles before, Shingrix is still recommended.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcus causes pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis, which are all serious threats to senior health. Pneumonia prevention begins with vaccination.
The two main options are PCV20 and PCV15, the latter of which is followed by PPSV23. All adults aged 65 and over need it, as well as younger adults with certain health conditions. It's vital protection for seniors with chronic conditions like COPD or diabetes.
Tdap or Td Booster
The Tdap booster covers tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Tetanus can enter the body through minor wounds, and pertussis is also known as whooping cough.
Every adult should receive a one-time Tdap shot. After that, they can get a Td booster every 10 years for continued protection.
If you're planning to be around infants, updating your pertussis shot is especially important.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters
COVID-19 still poses a serious threat to seniors, particularly those with weakened immune systems. It's important to stay up to date with the latest boosters, as advised by the CDC and your healthcare provider.
Local clinics and pharmacies often provide free or low-cost COVID vaccines and boosters.
Optional Vaccines
Seniors may get certain optional vaccines for some extra added protection.
The Hepatitis A and B vaccines protect from liver damage. They're given out in multiple doses for each.
MMR protects seniors from measles, mumps, and rubella. While many seniors are already immune, those without proof of vaccination or immunity can benefit from the shot.
RSV vaccines are recommended for adults 75 and older. Those aged 50 to 75 may get it if they're at an increased risk for severe RSV. Without it, the virus can cause respiratory infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Travel Vaccines for Seniors
Another consideration is travel vaccines. If you're planning a trip outside the U.S., it's essential to consider travel-related immunizations. Some common ones include:
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A and B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Rabies
You only need these vaccines based on where you're going and recommendations by your primary physician. Seniors may also want to schedule checkups with their doctor after extended travel to certain regions to make sure they haven't brought anything back with them.
Where to Get Vaccinated in Emeryville
Emeryville residents have several convenient options for senior immunization.
Primary care providers offer vaccine counseling and administration. Local pharmacies like Walgreens or CVS often provide walk-in immunizations.
The Alameda County Health Department offers low-cost vaccines for eligible seniors. There are also dedicated travel clinics that you can visit when planning international trips.
Aging Health Tips
Vaccination is only one piece of a well-rounded approach to aging well.
All Emeryville seniors should try to stay active. Walking around nearby Marina Park or joining a senior fitness class helps boost immunity.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to support vaccine effectiveness. Property hydration can also keep your body functioning optimally.
Get adequate sleep to improve your immune system response. Schedule regular checkups to review your immunization status and make updates as needed.
Stay Healthy and Protected
The vaccines recommended for seniors all help to prevent serious illnesses that can land a senior in the hospital. Even the ones that are less dangerous become major risks for older adults with preexisting conditions. A few shots can protect you, and some will last the rest of your life.
1440 By the Bay provides both assisted living and memory care services in the Bay Area. Our residents enjoy health and fitness activities, community events, chef-created menus, and more. Reach out to learn more and schedule a tour of our community to see for yourself.