Vaccinations: I’m a Senior Citizen; Do I Still Need to Get Vaccinations?

vaccinationsVaccinations: I'm a Senior Citizen; Do I Still Need to Get Vaccinations?

 

YES! "Even if you received vaccines as a child or as a younger adult, you may need one or more vaccines now, said Geraldine Feria, M.D., with Wanatah Primary Care.

"The pneumonia (pneumococcal) vaccine is an especially good idea for individuals who are age 65 and older and for others at a high risk." According to Dr. Feria those with diabetes, asthma, COPD or a compromised immune system should talk with their physicians about the pneumonia vaccine, because the shot provides protection against the most common subtypes of pneumococcal pneumonia as well as helps prevents meningitis and sepsis or blood infections.
Dr. Feria cited a study from the National Institute of Health that notes that hospitalization rates for pneumonia have increased among U.S. adults aged 64 to 84 during the past 15 years. "As we get older, or if we have other health issues, a simple pneumonia can quickly turn severe. But the good news is you only need to get the pneumonia vaccine once after the age of 65."

She also shared that with her elderly patients she follows the CDC recommendations. It states that aside from receiving tetanus toxoid booster every 10 years, individuals age 65 and older should also be vaccinated against pneumonia as well as shingles and influenza, and that they should have a one-time Tdap vaccine if they have not previously received it to protect against whooping cough.

Vaccines are Not Just for Kids.

Vaccines.gov recommends older adults receive vaccines to prevent:
• Pneumonia
• Flu
• Shingles
• Diphtheria/Tetanus
• Whooping Cough

Dr. Feria is a member of the medical staff at Porter Regional Hospital and board certified in both Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Feria at Wanatah Primary Care, call 219-733-2755.