Senior Vaccinations
While vaccines keep children protected from disease in early life, seniors also need regular vaccinations to stay healthy. Senior vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect you, your family, and the community from potentially harmful diseases. While every medical procedure has risks, we feel that the benefits of vaccines strongly outweigh the risks of contracting one of the diseases from which they protect. Additionally, side effects are usually very mild like soreness and severe side effects are very rare.
We recommend that seniors get certain vaccines to stay healthy. While we do not require that seniors receive all the CDC recommended vaccines as a prerequisite to being treated at our practice, we strongly encourage them. We will regularly go over the recommended vaccinations with our patients to ensure they are up to date and staying healthy.
Senior vaccinations can be done at your wellness check or can be made as a separate appointment. Below are important vaccines that women should consider. Please feel free to let us know about any of your concerns concerning vaccinations by giving us a call at (574) 251-1200 or contacting us online.
Flu Vaccine
The flu is a common respiratory illness that spreads quickly in the fall and winter months. As a senior, the flu can become a more serious illness. Primary Care Partners of South Bend recommends that seniors receive this vaccine each year to protect themselves from the flu. Flu shots are especially beneficial to seniors as immune systems tend to weaken with age.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Anyone above 65, active smokers, and seniors with COPD, diabetes, or asthma should receive the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine protects the body from diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles are itchy and painful rashes that form all over the body. This virus becomes more common in seniors, so getting the vaccination is essential. Even if you have had chickenpox in your life, the shingles vaccine will be beneficial.
TD Vaccine
The Td vaccine is a tetanus booster shot. Tetanus can enter the body through cuts and wounds and cause painful stiffening to the muscles. Seniors should receive this vaccine every ten years or after a severe wound or burn. If you have not received a Td vaccine or have a serious wound, call Primary Care Partners of South Bend to schedule your appointment.
Booster Vaccines
As you get older, the vaccines you received as a child may become less effective. For this reason, we may recommend that you get a booster vaccine of some of these vaccines to keep them working well. To learn more about which vaccinations you need, request an appointment online, or give us a call at (574) 251-1200.
Vaccines for Travel
We encourage you to take that retirement trip! However, it is important to recognize the risks of traveling as a senior. You may need additional vaccines depending on where you are traveling. For example, yellow fever is not a threat in Indiana, but in some travel destinations, it may be. The CDC provides a list of recommended vaccinations by country. If you are traveling outside the country, contact Primary Care Partners of South Bend to learn if any additional vaccines could protect you on your trip.
