National Immunization Awareness Month: Protecting Seniors in Flower Mound

August is here, and that means more than just back-to-school season. It also signifies National Immunization Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, National Immunization Awareness Month is meant to emphasize the importance of vaccination and encourage people to ask healthcare providers about it.

August is the perfect time for seniors in Flower Mound, TX, to consult with their doctors to ensure their vaccine checklists are up to date. Are you interested in learning more about immunization for older adults and preventive health for seniors? Read on for more information on this crucial topic.

What is National Immunization Awareness Month?

By August, the summer is almost over, and the incoming flu season is visible on the horizon. Seniors are especially vulnerable to flu and other illnesses easily prevented by vaccination. So, late summer is the perfect time for seniors to ensure their vaccines are all up to date.

Seniors who are unsure about their vaccine status or what vaccinations they need should contact their doctor. They'll be able to use tools provided by the CDC, such as VaxAdvisor, to choose the appropriate immunizations.

The point of National Immunization Awareness Month is twofold. First, it serves as a useful reminder about the upcoming flu season. Second, it helps to fight misinformation about vaccinations.

Why are Vaccinations Important for Seniors?

So, why do vaccinations matter so much for seniors? It's an unfortunate fact that aging weakens the immune system, making seniors much more vulnerable to dangerous diseases like pneumonia. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines can prevent serious illnesses and reduce the hospitalization rate in older adults.

Vaccines work by training the immune system by exposing it to a small amount of a handful of bacteria, which trains the immune system to respond appropriately, resulting in immunization. In some cases, a single vaccine dose is enough, but often a booster is necessary to build up lasting immunity.

High vaccination rates are about more than just keeping individual seniors safe; they also protect vulnerable neighbors through herd immunity. This is particularly important in locations like senior living communities or hospitals, where there are many vulnerable individuals who might have medical conditions that leave their immune system compromised.

What Vaccines Should Seniors Get?

Everyone is different, so doctors take things like patient history and current health into account when selecting vaccines. Generally speaking, seniors should get the following vaccines:

• Shingles: To immunize against shingles, seniors should get a vaccine like Shingrix.
• Influenza: Influenza is always a risk for seniors, and an annual vaccination is necessary to protect them.
• Pneumococcal Disease: Pneumococcal disease can have serious consequences, but seniors can protect themselves with a single vaccination
• Tdap: Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis; you need a booster every 10 years.
• MMR boosters: Those born before 1957 are sometimes considered immune to measles, but they might need to get an MMR Booster.

If you're ever in any doubt about what vaccines you or a loved one needs, contact your family doctor.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Senior Vaccinations in Flower Mound

When speaking to your family doctor about vaccinating them, you should ask about which ones are recommended for your age, health conditions, and lifestyle. If you have any previous vaccination records from another doctor, you should share them if they are valuable. If there are doubts about your current immunization, it is possible to request a blood test to confirm immunity. With that said, this is only possible with certain diseases.

If you are receiving multiple vaccinations at once or if you are prescribed any medications, you can discuss the possible side effects and interactions with your doctor. Your doctor might be able to help you schedule your vaccine in such a way that it minimizes any complications.

Whenever you get a vaccine, always make sure that you understand the follow-up schedules. Many vaccines require you to get them in one dose. You should keep either with you or a digital record of your vaccinations for easy reference.

And if there's any doubt about any aspect of the process, it's always fine to bring a trusted family member or caregiver along to your appointment to help out. They might assist with planning, asking questions, or keeping records.

If it's been a while since you last talked to your doctor about vaccinations, the time is now. Because of National Immunization Awareness Month, local doctors are more than ready to address queries about vaccines.

The Consequences of Under-Vaccination

Here's the thing about vaccines: they only work if everyone in society participates. There's a growing trend of vaccine hesitancy, which is causing a resurgence in illnesses like measles.

According to the Associated Press, the US is in the midst of one of the worst measles outbreaks in decades. There are ongoing outbreaks in 14 states, and two children in Texas have died. According to the article, the CDC has warned that if the spread continues, measles may no longer be considered an "eliminated" illness.

This is unfortunate because the MMR vaccination for measles is incredibly effective for treating measles. According to the Associated Press article, this vaccine is 97% effective after just 2 doses.

Sadly, misinformation that spread during the COVID-19 pandemic about the COVID-19 vaccinations was quite pervasive. So much so that some people have stopped trusting any form of vaccination despite their long history of safe and successful use.

Thankfully, local healthcare organizations and senior communities are always working to improve vaccine awareness in Flower Mound, TX.

Discover a Supportive Independent Living Community

Vaccination is one of the simplest, most effective ways seniors can protect their health and the health of others around them. This National Immunization Awareness Month, join thousands of seniors in getting up to date with your vaccinations.

Remember, it's never too late to protect yourself, and when you protect yourself, your community is safer too.

Here at Pinewood Hills, we've built a senior living community that allows residents to maintain independence while still getting support and Pinewood Hills health tips when they're needed.

Are you interested in learning more about our independent living options? Contact us today to schedule a tour.