Posted: July 14th, 2022

Do Adults and Seniors Still Need Vaccines?

Do Adults and Seniors Still Need Vaccines?
Adults and seniors above the age of 50 are at an increased risk of contracting infectious illnesses. As we age, our immune systems progressively weaken, and it becomes more difficult to ward off infections. Older people are more likely to contract diseases like flu and influenza, which can advance into serious complications that can result in hospitalization and even death. People living with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart conditions are even more predisposed to infections, which makes vaccination a critical step for their health.
According to the statistics, between 50,000-90,000 adults in the United States die every year from illnesses that are preventable through vaccination. Acute respiratory diseases like pneumonia and influenza account for more than 56,000 deaths each year. Influenza and pneumonia are also the most common cause of many hospitalizations and deaths for people aged 65 and above. Other preventable illnesses like pneumococcal disease and shingles are common in hospitalized adults and seniors.
Unfortunately, many adults still believe that they do not need to be vaccinated. Some are hesitant due to the misleading information being spread in social circles about the side effects associated with vaccines. Others think that they don’t need vaccinations because they had already been vaccinated earlier in life. But because of immunosenescence, the immune system progressively decreases, and the efficacy of vaccines reduces significantly, leaving adults and seniors susceptible to illnesses.
Immunization is not for children only but adults too. Even if you were immunized as a child, the vaccines often wear off due to factors such as age, lifestyle, and other health conditions, putting you at risk of acquiring vaccine-preventable illnesses. Adult immunization helps to protect you from contracting and spreading certain diseases that can result in long term hospitalization, reduced quality of life, and even death.
Some of the most important vaccines that seniors should consider getting include yearly shots against seasonal flu, Tdap vaccine that protects against whooping cough, the herpes zoster vaccine against shingles, and a Td vaccine against tetanus and Diptheria which is given after every ten years. It is also paramount to ensure that you get vaccines that are up to date, especially those that have been designed for older adults.
Immunization remains the best form of risk reduction against infections. Vaccines also help in lowering the severity of disease in case of an infection. Vaccination can make a huge impact on the physical wellbeing of older adults, which can lengthen and also increase their quality of life.

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