Immunization Awareness Month: Key Vaccines for Seniors in Greenville

Did you know that vaccinations save millions of lives every single year? The World Health Organization reports that vaccines have prevented an estimated 154 million deaths over the past half-century -- that's six lives saved every minute, every year. 

August is Immunization Awareness Month, a great opportunity to discuss the impact of vaccines. In this article, we'll cover the benefits of vaccines, vaccines recommended for seniors in Greenville, SC, and the steps you can take to avoid getting sick. 

Ready to get started? Let's dive in. 

What Is Immunization Awareness Month? 

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is held annually during the month of August. Its main goals include: 

• Highlighting the importance of vaccinations
• Encouraging people to stay up-to-date on their immunizations
• Discussing the benefits of vaccinations
• Educating patients about accurate vaccine information

The Benefits of Vaccines

Vaccinations present numerous benefits for individuals and society. Here are just a few of the advantages of immunization. 

Protecting Vulnerable Demographics

Some people cannot get vaccinated due to reasons such as:

• Allergies to key vaccine ingredients
• Immunosuppression from chemotherapy or other treatments
• Not in the recommended age group 

For those who cannot receive immunizations, it is important for those who can to get vaccinated. When a sufficient percentage of the population is vaccinated, it results in herd immunity.

However, when people choose not to get vaccinated, herd immunity begins to wane, and gaps may expose the vulnerable demographics to deadly diseases.

The herd immunity threshold is different for every immunization. For instance, the CDC estimates that the herd immunity threshold for measles, a highly contagious virus, is around 94 percent. 

Less Strain on Medical Resources

When unvaccinated individuals contract preventable illnesses, it can lead to severe sickness or even hospitalization. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world watched as healthcare systems were stretched to maximum capacity. It's crucial for those who can get vaccinated to do so, freeing up hospital resources for more urgent patients.

Reducing the Severity of Disease

Even if you contract a disease that you have been vaccinated against, immunizations often reduce the severity of symptoms, as well as long-term effects. For instance, while early COVID-19 vaccines effectively blocked transmission, the newer variant boosters are more of a protection against serious illness. 

Imagine being sick for only a few days instead of several weeks. You can resume your normal life more quickly and focus on getting better.

Recommended Vaccines for Seniors 

You've probably received dozens of immunizations in your lifetime, primarily during your childhood and adolescent years. Although these vaccines offer substantial protection, there are still some immunizations recommended specifically for seniors. 

Influenza

Seniors and other eligible groups should receive the annual influenza vaccine in late summer or early fall. Getting the vaccine before flu season begins is

essential; the vaccine requires time to build immunity and provide robust protection.

Senior flu shots in Greenville, SC, may be more effective in some years and less effective in other years. This is because the vaccine developers attempt to predict the following year's flu strain based on a variety of factors. However, it is still important to get the vaccine since some protection is better than none.

Shingles

Anyone who has either had the chickenpox virus or hasn't received the chickenpox vaccine should get the shingles vaccine. Once you've had chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in your body and reemerge at any time as shingles.

Shingles is incredibly painful, with its hallmark symptom being red, fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over. Additionally, you can suffer from post-viral complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which is a painful nerve condition.

Currently, the Shingrix vaccine is the gold standard shingles immunization on the market. According to the CDC, studies indicate that Shingrix is over 90 percent effective in adults 70 years or older.  

Tdap

The Tdap immunization is a combination vaccine that protects patients against: 

• Tetanus: A bacterial infection that stems from open wounds, causing symptoms such as muscle spasms and rigidity. 
• Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that leads to a thick coating of the nose and throat, which can complicate breathing and block airways. 
• Pertussis: Colloquially known as whooping cough, this infection is especially dangerous for infants and seniors, and causes severe coughing that can last for weeks or even months. 

You should receive a Tdap booster at least once every ten years or more frequently based on your age or occupation.

COVID-19 

Although COVID-19 is less deadly than at the pandemic's onset, it can still cause major issues for seniors and other vulnerable groups. This is why it is essential to get your annual COVID-19 booster when recommended.

Similar to the influenza vaccine, it is best to obtain the COVID-19 booster before peak season hits, preferably in late summer or early autumn. 

Preventive Care Tips

Although vaccinations are a robust method to protect against dangerous diseases, you can take other steps to ensure your immune system remains strong in your senior years: 

• Aging and Immune Support: Get plenty of nutrients to boost your immune system, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin E, and folate. 
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for some movement every day, even if it is only for a few minutes. 
• Avoid Individuals Who Are Sick: Stay away from those around you who are sick, if possible, and do not interact with them until they no longer exhibit symptoms. 
• Schedule Vaccines When Recommended: For instance, if your doctor recommends the pneumonia vaccine for older adults, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle at TerraBella Summit Senior Living

With Immunization Awareness Month, you can stay informed on the latest vaccine developments and learn which vaccines you need to lead a fulfilling life during your senior years. You'll feel confident in your protection from serious diseases.

At TerraBella Summit, we put the health, safety, and well-being of our residents first. With a caring and dedicated staff, as well as amenities such as wellness classes, daily activities, and restaurant-style dining, we cultivate an environment where residents can thrive. 

Are you ready to transition to senior assisted living or memory care? Reach out to us at TerraBella today with any questions you may have, or visit us in person to see our beautiful Greenville campus for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!