According to the CDC, about 49% of people aged 75 years and up had received the latest COVID-19 vaccine as of December 14, 2024. While this is one of the most discussed vaccines in recent years, it's not the only one you should consider.
Coldwater, MI, boasts beautiful landscapes, recreational parks, vibrant community events, and unique shopping and dining experiences, making it an enjoyable location to live. However, none of this is worth anything if you find yourself battling an aggressive sickness.
As we age, our bodies' defenses against infectious diseases naturally weaken. Various vaccines recommended for seniors can help maintain health, and the right aging health tips can be life-saving.
In this guide, we'll go over some key senior immunizations that are important for health and well-being in later years. Let's get started.
Staying healthy means being proactive, so preventive care in MI is incredibly important. While there's no strict adult vaccine checklist to follow, there are some vaccines that are particularly important for seniors.
Influenza remains a significant risk for older adults. According to CDC recommendations, all adults aged 65 and over should receive an annual flu vaccine, preferably a high-dose or adjuvanted version. These are shown to elicit a stronger immune response in senior populations.
Each fall (usually around September through November), local clinics and pharmacies around Coldwater offer flu shots. Seniors' benefits through private insurers usually cover high-dose vaccines at no cost.
Due to how common it is, many people don't consider the flu to be too dangerous. However, individuals aged 65 and over account for up to 85% of flu-related deaths each season (Families Fighting Flu), making it particularly important.
While the COVID-19 pandemic is over, it hasn't disappeared completely, and it's still important to stay safe. The CDC recommends that everyone eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine should receive at least two doses to cover the 2024-2025 variant, spaced six months apart.
Boosters help maintain immunity against emerging variants. These vaccines can significantly reduce he risk of:
CVS in Coldwater is currently providing the latest COVID-19 vaccine, and you may be able to receive it at no cost depending on your insurance coverage.
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as:
Recent updates recommend that all adults aged 50 and older who haven't previously received a conjugate vaccine should get a pneumococcal vaccine. There are two main types of this vaccine.
Conjugate vaccines (PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21) are given first. In some cases, these are followed by PPSV23. These newer conjugate vaccines provide broader coverage, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
The CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine for healthy adults aged 50 and over. It's given in two doses, and people should get this even if they've had shingles or chickenpox in the past.
While shingles isn't typically life-threatening, it can be very painful. The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective at reducing shingles and its painful complication, postherpetic neuralgia.
RSV is often thought of as a childhood illness, but it can cause severe respiratory issues among older adults. It's particularly dangerous for people aged 75 or over, as well as people aged 50-74 who have chronic health conditions, such as:
It's also recommended for anyone living in a nursing home. Despite all of this, uptake from people in these groups is still quite low.
The RSV vaccine is best administered in late summer to early fall (August to October) before RSV season begins in Michigan.
All adults should receive at least one dose of Tdap if they haven't previously been vaccinated as adolescents. This should be followed by a Td or Tdap booster once every 10 years.
Whooping cough is very dangerous for older adults as well as infants. Because of this, it's a particularly important vaccination for seniors who are often around grandchildren.
Typically, the Hepatitis B vaccine is mostly recommended for adults aged 19-59. However, it's still also advised for adults 60 or over, especially those who have other risk factors, including:
Those who are eligible could receive a two, three, or four-dose series, depending on the specific product.
While flu and pneumonia shots, like those mentioned above, are very important for seniors, there are still others you may want to consider. Some examples include:
Most seniors don't need these vaccines unless they have specific health histories or incomplete vaccination records. If you're uncertain, you should speak to your healthcare provider to see what they suggest.
Respiratory illnesses are seasonal. Michigan typically experiences flu and RSV peaks in the late fall through winter. Ensuring timely immunizations helps reduce hospitalizations.
Local outbreaks are always possible, even with rare diseases. Seniors in congregate settings (like senior living communities) can be particularly vulnerable, making vaccinations incredibly important.
At LakeHouse Coldwater, we're committed to ensuring our residents can live happy, healthy lives. Most of our residents are 65+, and many have chronic health conditions.
The vaccines mentioned above can significantly help in preventing serious diseases, so we strongly recommend them to our residents. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself, but also those around you.
Along with this, we organize regular activities to encourage social interactions. Our residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining with healthy, nutritious meals. Our warm, welcoming community can prove beneficial for the physical, mental, and emotional health of our residents.
The team at LakeHouse Coldwater understands that prevention is a powerful step toward maintaining independence, comfort, and quality of life. These vaccines recommended for seniors can help ensure this.
Our compassionate carers are dedicated to providing personalized care services based on the specific needs of each resident. This, along with our high-quality amenities and diverse activity calendar, makes us stand out. Our warm, welcoming community could be the ideal home for you to spend your senior years.
Contact us today to schedule an in-person tour.