Vaccine Recommendations for Older Adults - Lots of Benefits and Minimal Risk for Most People

Vaccine recommendations for older adults can be confusing. However, there is more and more evidence that keeping up with appropriate vaccinations can provide a number of long-term health benefits and some vaccines may even help reduce your risk of dementia. Here’s what adults 55+ need to know to stay protected and make informed decisions.

Congratulations. You have made it to your 50s, 60s, or beyond and you’re probably doing a solid job of staying on top of your health. But when it comes to vaccines, a lot of adults in this age group aren’t sure what they actually need anymore. Are their childhood vaccines enough? Do boosters reset everything? It is not always clear, and the recommendations have changed over the years. Here is a short and helpful guide to vaccine recommendations for older adults.  

As always, check with your personal physician before getting any medication, including vaccines, especially if you have had a bad reaction in the past.  Simply having a sore arm the next day, feeling tired, or having a low grade fever are not serious reactions, unless they last more than a couple of days.  Developing hives, a high fever, or becoming seriously ill should be reported to your doctor.

Yes, You Still Need Vaccines

Your immune system does not work the same way at 65 as it did at 25. It becomes less efficient at recognizing and fighting off new threats, which is why certain infections hit harder as you get older. It is also why vaccination is even more important the older you get.  Many people over the age of 65 are still dying every year from common illnesses such as the flu and covid, and the majority of those deaths are in the unvaccinated.  

The Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine gets updated every year because the virus changes every year. Adults 65 and older are eligible for high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines, which are specifically designed to produce a stronger immune response in older immune systems. And yes, you need it every single year. You can protect against the deadly flu virus with this one annual step, and it’s widely available at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and community health clinics.  

Some people complain that they have gotten the flu after having the flu vaccine.  This is true, especially during the first two weeks after receiving the vaccine, since it is not fully in effect.  It can also happen after five or six months, because its protection has started to wane.  In addition, sometimes the flu vaccine is not a perfect match for the type of flu which is circulating.  However, even in these cases, your case of the flu is less likely to become fatal, if you have been vaccinated.

COVID-19 Boosters

COVID-19 vaccines and updated boosters remain important for older adults. Your doctor can tell you which version you have received and whether you are due for an updated dose. The CDC updates its recommendations as new variants emerge, so stay in contact with your healthcare provider.  Covid has evolved a number of times since it first emerged, and the vaccine is updated every year to match the type that is circulating.  While most Americans have now been vaccinated at least once, it is important to continue to get annual vaccines to protect yourself from new variations.

RSV Vaccine

RSV is the shortened name for the Respiratory Syncytial Virus.  It causes serious infections of the lungs and respiratory system.  While it is a mild and common infection in most adults, it can be serious in young children and the elderly.  Ask your physician if they recommend you receive the RSV vaccine.

The Shingles Vaccine

Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, is recommended for adults 50 and older. It’s given in two doses spread two to six months apart. Shingles is a painful reactivation of the chickenpox virus that never fully leaves your body, and the vaccine is over 90 percent effective at preventing it.  Trust me. Shingles is painful and not something you want to risk getting.

Vaccinations and Dementia

The whole body inflammation that occurs when someone experiences Shingles is so intense that it increases your risk of later developing dementia.  As a result, getting vaccinated against Shingles and other highly inflammatory diseases such as the flu may reduce your risk of later getting dementia.  I cannot think of a better reason to see your doctor at least annually and keep up with your scheduled vaccines than the fact that some vaccines are associated with a lower dementia risk in later life, because they have reduced the total amount of time you have spent having highly inflammatory illnesses.

The Pneumonia Vaccines

The pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against bacterial pneumonia, are also recommended for adults 65 and older. Your doctor will help you figure out which version you need based on what you have already received. Of course, you may still get viral pneumonia, so it doesn't protect you against all causes of pneumonia, but at least you will be protected from bacterial pneumonia. This is important because pneumonia is a common cause of death in the elderly.

Other Common Vaccines Your Doctor May Suggest

Depending on your activities and family situation, your doctor may also suggest other vaccinations that need to be updated, such as your tetanus vaccine, the MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), or the pertussis vaccine, especially if there is a new grandchild in the family and you want to protect them from whooping cough and other diseases.  

If you will be traveling to other countries, you may also need to get vaccinated against some tropical diseases which are rare in the U.S., but common in other places.  Personally, I have been vaccinated against a wide variety of tropical diseases because of trips I have taken to places like Fiji and Central America. Check with your doctor to see what they recommend.  They may refer you to a tropical disease specialist.  Give them the list of places you plan to visit, and they will match it against their list of common diseases which are spreading in those countries. Then, they can give you the appropriate vaccines. Nothing can ruin a vacation faster than becoming ill with a preventable illness.

Scientists are also actively studying other types of vaccines against diseases which can harm humans, so be open to new vaccines which may become available in the future. They could save your life.

Common Concerns Older Adults Have About Vaccines

A lot of older people have questions about vaccines which they may feel awkward bringing up. Let’s address some big ones to put your mind at ease.

Do Vaccines Mix With Medications?

One of the most common questions is whether vaccines are safe when you are already managing other health conditions or taking multiple medications. In most cases, the answer is yes, they are safe, but your doctor reviews your full health picture before making any recommendation.

Will the Side Effects Be Worse Because of Your Age?

In general, age does not determine how intense vaccination side effects will be. Soreness, mild fatigue, and a low-grade fever are normal responses that show your immune system is responding. Those side effects are not dangerous, and they typically pass within a day or two.

In some rare cases, you may have a serious auto-immune disease, an infection, or may be getting treatments for another disease and, as a result, you are not eligible to receive vaccinations at that time. Discuss this with your doctors and be sure to take other precautions, such as wearing a face mask, to help you avoid exposure to any other serious illnesses.  If you are being treated for cancer, for example, you do not want to be fighting Covid or the flu at the same time. Listen to your doctor and follow their recommendations so you stay as healthy as possible.

Are Today’s Vaccines Safe?

The world has changed a lot, including in its pharmaceutical standards. Fortunately, vaccine changes in the last few decades have been for the better. Reputable clinics and pharmacies follow strict protocols at every step of the process. For instance, continuous temperature monitoring is important for vaccines, and reputable providers make sure nothing falls outside safe ranges from the moment a vaccine shipment arrives to the moment it is administered. Staff are also trained to check expiration dates, inspect vials, and follow proper injection techniques. Rest assured, if you receive your vaccine from a trustworthy source, you are in good hands.

How To Know What Vaccines You Need

The best starting point is a conversation with your primary care doctor. Bring any vaccine records you have, or ask your pharmacy to pull your history. The CDC also maintains an adult immunization schedule you can reference online. Moreover, your pharmacist is a reliable resource and can administer many of these vaccines without a separate doctor’s visit.

Staying Current Without the Confusion

We hope this guide to vaccine recommendations for older adults has been helpful. Now, it is time to ask your doctor to review your records at your next appointment. Do not wait for a health scare before you try to get caught up with your vaccinations. As always, check with your personal physician before making any healthcare decisions.

Post and Photo credit: Logical Positions

Support this blog by checking out Deborah Dian's video reviews of Amazon products (Ad) in her Amazon storefront.  You'll find hundreds of recommended items for your home, health and cosmetic products, children's toys, clothing items, books, jewelry, groceries and gifts.  Check out these personal product video reviews, watch the ones that interest you, and safely buy the items you like directly through Amazon! 

Below is the link:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/deborahdian-favoriteproductsvideosandblogs

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive two to three monthly emails containing the most current post.  I do NOT send out advertising emails, and I do NOT sell your email address.  

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from a relevant Google or Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. It simply helps me keep this retirement blog operating.

If you are interested in learning more about common issues as we age, financial planning, Social Security, Medicare, where to retire, common medical issues as you age, travel and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

You are reading from the blog:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com 

Covid 19 Vaccines: What to Expect Before and After You Get the Vaccine

Every day, more and more people are getting the Covid-19 vaccine, which will hopefully lead us out of this pandemic and back to a more normal life, again.  Along with the number of people who have already had Covid and recovered from it, we could be able to reach herd immunity sometime late this year, if we manage to get the mutations under control.  

I have now had both my first and second dose of the Pfizer vaccine and the only symptoms I experienced were a little tenderness in my arm after each of the vaccinations, and I felt the need to take a nap immediately afterwards. I had no other side effects. One of our daughters who is in her early 50s and also received the vaccine, had the lymph nodes swell up under the arm where she received the Moderna shot. This is now considered a common reaction, particularly in women. One of our son-in-laws developed a rash a few days after receiving the first dose of the Moderna vaccine, and this was also determined by his personal physician to be a normal reaction.  If you have questions about any reactions you experience, you should consult your personal doctor. 

While you are waiting to get your vaccine, or if you have received it recently, you may have questions. Fortunately, the January/February AARP Bulletin and other sources have answered many of these questions, and a summary of the information is provided below.

In addition to the vaccine, what else can I do to reduce my Covid-19 risk?

In addition to being vaccinated, which is the most effective preventative, there are a few other things you can do to reduce your risk of getting Covid or, at least, having a bad case of it.  Here is what they have found to be the most effective:

    * Wear face masks, especially surgical masks or N95 masks

    * Wash hands and/or use hand sanitizer frequently

    * Get an air purifier with a HEPA filter (Ad) 

    * Test yourself using home COVID tests (Ad)

    * Take Vitamin D pills long before you are exposed.  People who regularly take statins and melatonin seem to have a lower risk of death from Covid, too.

My husband and I purchased two WINIX air purifiers (Ad) for our home and we are very happy with them.  Even Dr. Fauci mentioned that he has a couple of air purifiers with HEPA filters in his house, now.  They can be helpful in reducing the level of bacteria and viruses in your home, especially if it is necessary for you to allow repairmen and other strangers to enter.

Should I take NSAIDS or over-the-counter painkillers before or after getting the vaccine?

According to the University of California in Irvine newsletter from UCI Health, taking over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) before receiving any vaccine could reduce its ability to work and blunt your immune response to the vaccine.  The Explore Health website also recommends that you not drink alcohol the night before getting a vaccine, since the vaccine may give you flu-like symptoms, and you do not want a hangover on top of feeling like you have the flu! In fact, it is actually normal to have a reaction to the vaccine.  It means your immune system is mounting a response.  After the vaccination, it is OK to take an over-the-counter medication if you have symptoms which make you uncomfortable, although some of the websites recommended that you wait at least six hours before you do so.  If you currently take Tylenol, Advil or another NSAID or anti-inflammatory for arthritis or a similar condition, stop it a day before getting the vaccine, and start it again the following day. 

On the other hand, if you are prone to having allergic reactions to medications, Dr. Jen Ashton, who is a medical contributor to ABC News, has mentioned that she took an antihistamine before getting her vaccine, and she believes it helped. She also took Motrin a few hours after the vaccine, when she developed a fever.  Discuss you options with your personal physician and follow their advice. 

What side-effects can I expect from the Covid-19 vaccine?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, you could have the following side-effects:

• Pain at the injection site
• Swelling in the arm where you got your shot
• Fever
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headache

Moving your arm frequently for several hours after receiving the vaccine, and putting a cold cloth on it can reduce the pain and swelling at the injection site. Drink plenty of liquids to reduce fever and chills.  If you are really uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about taking Tylenol or Advil a few hours later.  I have heard some experts recommend that people take the day off after getting the vaccine.  In some cases, the second shot has produced more side effects than the first one.

Could I have an allergic reaction?

A very few people who have received the vaccines have had a serious allergic reaction, but that has been limited mostly to people with a history of anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction. The British government has recommended that people with severe reactions to drugs, food or vaccines should not take the Pfizer vaccine.  Our FDA is still considering what their recommendation should be.

If you are concerned, anaphylaxis usually happens within the first half hour after being exposed to an allergen, so it is suggested that you get your vaccine in your doctor's office or a similar safe facility with medical staff nearby who are prepared to treat anaphylaxis, and wait for an hour before leaving.  If you have serious side-effects after you have already left, call your doctor.  If you have a mild reaction, your doctor may suggest you take an antihistamine.  Remember, the risk to your health from getting Covid-19 is far greater than the risk of getting the vaccine.  

How long after getting the vaccine will I develop immunity to Covid-19?

According to Pfizer, you only have 52% effectiveness 21 days after the first vaccine dose. Israeli researchers have found that the effectiveness of one dose may be even lower, possibly as low as 33%.  The Moderna results are similar, except it takes 28 days to reach 50% effectiveness.

This basically means that if you are exposed to Covid, you have a 50/50 chance, or higher, of still developing a serious form of the disease, and some people have died from Covid even several weeks after receiving the first dose of the vaccine.  However, several weeks after the second dose of the vaccines, you can reach up to 95% effectiveness.  So, if you receive the first dose in mid-February and the second dose in mid-March, it could be mid-April before you have reached peak effectiveness.  You cannot hurry things.  In addition, it is important to remember that even after BOTH vaccinations, there is still a 1 in 20 chance that you could get Covid.  However, even if you do, being vaccinated appears to drastically reduce your risk of being hospitalized or dying from Covid.

After receiving both shots, can I go back to normal?

No.  That is very important to remember. You should still continue to practice social distancing, wear a face mask, and avoid travel.  This is because even after getting the vaccinations, 5% to 10% of people will not be completely protected from Covid-19.  Some people in your circle of friends who have already had Covid, and believe they are safe, could become reinfected.  Other people, because of allergies, medical treatments, or other health issues, will be unable to be vaccinated. Even after you have had both vaccinations, you still have a chance of getting it, especially because the virus is mutating and that is lowered the effectiveness of the vaccine.  Your best defense is to get the vaccinations, and then continue to wear a mask and socially distance until we reach herd immunity as a nation, and infection rates in your community have dropped to a very low number.

Here is the part I considered most surprising from the AARP Bulletin article:

"The vaccine itself doesn't prevent you from contracting the virus; it simply prepares your body to mount a vigorous defense so that, if you do become infected, the resulting illness is far less likely to be life-threatening."

Did you read that carefully?   You can still get Covid-19 and pass it to others, even after getting the vaccine!  It is less likely to kill you, if you've been vaccinated, but it could still kill an unvaccinated person you pass it to.  As a result, we all have to continue to be careful until at least 80% of the people in the country, especially the people we associate with, have had the vaccine.  Then, everyone you are around will be much safer from the serious consequences of getting Covid.

If you are concerned about how Covid-19 became such a serious problem, and how to prevent the next pandemic, you may be interested in reading "COVID-19: The Pandemic That Never Should Have Happened and How to Stop the Next One."  (Ad) It is fascinating. 

Should I get the vaccine even if I have already had Covid?

Yes.  Some people who have had Covid have gotten it a second time and, in some cases, it was much worse the second time. The best way to reduce your risk is to get the vaccine.  You should wait at least 30 days after you have recovered and finished your quarantine period, and then it will be a good idea to get vaccinated. 

How long will immunity from the vaccine last?

We do not know how long it lasts.  We hope it will last a year or two, but we will not know for sure until it stops working for some people.  When that happens, we will have to go through the whole process again, and everyone will need a booster shot.   It is possible that it will last much longer than we expect, much like the polio vaccine, and that would be very good news.

It is possible, according to Dr. Fauci, Bill Gates, and other people who are carefully analyzing the results of the vaccine programs, that we may need to get booster shots annually or every two years.  This is how they expect to deal with the inevitable mutations and keep them under some control. Be prepared to expect to get vaccinated again the future, although you will probably receive the vaccine through your local healthcare provider or in the same way you currently receive your flu shot. 

Hopefully this information helps everyone get the most benefit possible out of the vaccine so we can all move forward and return to normal as soon as possible.

Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.  You will receive a weekly email with the most current post.

If you are interested in learning more about financial planning for retirement, where to retire, Social Security, Medicare, common medical issues as you age, and more, use the tabs or pull down menu at the top of the page to find links to hundreds of additional helpful articles.

Disclosure: This blog may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase from an Amazon ad, I'll make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

You are reading from the article:  http://www.baby-boomer-retirement.com

Photo credit: Pixabay