Who are you going to call? Germ Busters!

Have you received your flu shot yet this year?

Even though 50% of American adults ignore this annual public health advisory, it is a known fact that 91% of people hospitalized with severe cases of influenza last year didn’t get this vaccine. Anne Broderick, a Sun City Community resident and retired nurse, highly recommends the Fluzone High-Dose, which is made up of three flu strains most likely to cause the flu during this upcoming season.

According to Mayo Clinic, “The high-dose vaccine…contains four times as much flu virus antigen — the part of the vaccine that stimulates the immune system — as regular Fluzone…”

This is important because older people produce 50 to 75% fewer antibodies to fight the virus than younger people. Mayo tells us that one study found that among seniors (65 and older) who took this extra strength vaccine, 25% fewer flu cases occurred than had they taken the standard vaccine. Research will continue over the next few years to determine whether this particular shot will become the flu vaccine of choice for older people. Medicare covers the cost of the shot as long as you are eligible for and enrolled in Original Medicare and the health provider accepts the assignment.

What about other vaccines recommended for seniors by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)? As mentioned in my past Sun Day article from October 22, herpes zoster or the shingles vaccine is especially recommended for seniors.

Dr. Keith Roach, associate professor of clinical medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, adds this info: “You should get the shingles vaccine once you’re over 60 (especially if you’ve had chickenpox), but even if you haven’t had chickenpox, and even if you’ve already had shingles.” The reason? The itchy rash and potential nerve damage may infrequently occur in an individual who comes in contact with someone with shingles. Also, shingles can happen more than once, even though this is somewhat rare.

The pneumococcal or pneumonia vaccine is recommended for everyone age 65 and older, but especially for those with respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

“In people with COPD, pneumonia is a common cause of hospitalization, and in some cases, it is fatal, so the vaccine is critical ….” says Dr. Roach. Usually, the flu vaccination is recommended along with the pneumonia vaccine for a “one, two punch” to eliminate critical health emergencies in these individuals.

Pneumonia causes significant illness in seniors as a whole and is responsible for 60,000 deaths each year, according to John Muir Health Newsletter from October 29. Flu, shingles, and pneumonia shots can be obtained, not only at your physician’s office, but also through local pharmacies. Our very own Centegra Walk-in Clinic has flu shots, on a walk-in basis, now available.

Other vaccines that may be considered are tetanus-diptheria, chickenpox, measles/ mumps/ rubella (MMR), hepatitis A and B, and meningitis depending on one’s individual health circumstance, inoculation schedule, and travel plans outside the U.S. In certain individuals, some of these vaccines may no longer be current, or immunity may have faded, or maybe some shots have not been received as a child.

The Muir publication states “An estimated 45,000 adults die annually from complications due to vaccine-preventable diseases. Many adults feel that they do not need vaccinations, or worry about side effects from the vaccine itself, but people over age 65 and older are at higher risk of complications from the actual diseases.”

Cornell’s Women’s Health Advisor (November, 2015) concludes with the following statement “Vaccines are an important aspect of preventative medicine. However, because various medical conditions and lifestyle choices can affect whether you safely can receive certain vaccines, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for guidance.”

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