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Recommended Vaccines for Seniors in Frankenmuth, Michigan

Written By: Winter Village
Recommended Vaccines for Seniors in Frankenmuth, Michigan

According to MedlinePlus, our immune system becomes less effective the older we get, and it becomes less good at protecting our bodies from foreign or harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. As a result, older adults are more susceptible to illnesses, and some can have serious, lasting effects.

Luckily, we have science on our side, and there are various vaccinations that are effective in warding off diseases. As a result, you'll be better able to enjoy your golden years, as you'll be in optimal health.

Interested in learning more? Then read on for our recommended vaccines for seniors in Frankenmuth, MI.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

One of the main senior immunizations in Frankenmuth that you should get is the influenza vaccine. While younger people can fend off the flu with little issue, this illness can be deadly for older adults, especially if they have compromised immune systems. Serious complications include:

  • Pneumonia
  • Heart attacks
  • Hospitalization

This is why we highly recommend the flu shot for seniors every year in late September or October. You should get Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent or Fluad Quadrivalent since they're specifically designed for seniors. They provide a stronger immune response than standard flu vaccines.

Possible side effects include:

  • Soreness at the injection site
  • Low-grade fever
  • Body aches

COVID-19 Vaccine

The coronavirus is here to stay, so we can't just ignore it. This makes the COVID-19 vaccine as important as ever. Like with the flu, seniors are more likely to experience complications from this virus, including:

  • Severe illness
  • Hospitalization
  • Death

Even if you've had COVID-19 or vaccines before, there's waning immunity over time. So you should get the most recent coronavirus vaccine with the 2024-25 formula, which targets currently circulating variants.

Ideally, you should get at least one updated COVID booster per year. If you have underlying health issues, you may be advised to get additional doses.

Possible side effects include:

  • Soreness at the injection site
  • Low-grade fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Fatigue

Pneumococcal Vaccine

The pneumococcal vaccine (or the pneumonia vaccine) protects you against bloodstream infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. It also protects you against pneumonia and meningitis. Complications from these illnesses are:

  • Respiratory failure
  • Sepsis
  • Death

There are several recommended vaccines for seniors; PCV20, PPSV23, and Capviavixe (newly approved in 2024). Typically, you'd get one dose of PCV20, or you can get a PCV15 followed by a PPSV23 a year later. If you've already been vaccinated, you may not need more shots; consult with your doctor to make sure.

Possible side effects include:

  • Soreness
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches
  • Mild fever

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine

The varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing chickenpox, as well as shingles. The older you get, the more at risk you are for this illness.

Not only does shingles cause a painful rash, but it can also lead to long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia). This can last months or even years, and it's not pleasant to live with.

Older adults should get Shingrix, which is a recombinant vaccine that's highly effective, even in those who are older than 70. You should get two doses that are 2-6 months apart.

What's great about this vaccine is that it has the side benefit of lowering your risk for dementia. Combine it with a diet for brain health for maximum cognitive health.

Possible side effects of the vaccine include:

  • Sore arm
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Mild fever for 1-2 days

Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Td/Tdap) Booster

Tetanus and diphtheria vaccines are effective, but immunity decreases with time. That's why it's vital that you get a Td booster every 10 years.

As for pertussis (whooping cough), outbreaks still occur, and if you catch it, you can transmit it to infants. If you've never had the Tdap vaccine before, then you should get it once.

Possible side effects here include:

  • Redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Fatigue

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

RSV is a virus that can cause lower respiratory tract infections that can lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis in seniors. It can be especially dangerous to those with heart or lung conditions, as well as those with weakened immune systems.

What's great is that one dose should protect you for at least two seasons. We'd recommend getting Arexvy or Abrysvo, which are new RSV vaccines approved in 2023.

Possible side effects are:

  • Mild injection site pain
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

These three viral diseases can cause serious complications, such as encephalitis and deafness. Rubella can cause miscarriages too, so you don't want to pass this virus onto family members either.

It's assumed that most people who were born before 1957 are immune to MMR, so if you fall into that age group, you're more than likely fine. However, if you were born after 1957 and don't have documented immunity, you should get at least one dose of the MMR vaccine.

The recommended adult vaccination schedule for this vaccine is 1-2 doses. The exact amount will depend on risk factors or your travel plans.

Possible side effects include:

  • Low-grade fever
  • Mild rash
  • Swelling of glands

Additional/Travel Vaccines

If you're traveling to areas with endemic diseases, have a high-risk lifestyle or medical conditions, or you're missing previous childhood vaccines, then here are the additional ones you should get:

  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Hepatitis A/B
  • Yellow fever
  • Typhoid

To get these vaccines, refer to Frankenmuth health services for seniors.

In addition, if you're traveling, you should take extra steps to protect yourself, such as heeding heat stroke prevention tips.

Get These Recommended Vaccines for Seniors

Now that you've learned what the recommended vaccines for seniors are, you should find out which ones you haven't received. Then, either talk with your doctor or book an appointment to get these shots.

If you're confused about anything or would like clarification about the benefits of vaccinations, don't hesitate to have a discussion with your GP. They'll be able to put your mind at ease and give you clarity about which vaccines you should get and when.

Are you interested in senior living in Frankenmuth, MI? Then contact us now. Winter Village has an all-day bistro cafe where our residents love to relax.

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