Get Your Shots!

If you think shots are just for kids, think again.

Immunizations are especially important for older adults with chronic diseases – and the people who care for elderly family members. Even the flu can cause death in people with heart disease, diabetes or other chronic illnesses. Immunizations must be kept up-to-date to prevent serious, sometimes life-threatening, illnesses.

Your doctor, local health department, or hospital provide immunizations. Pharmacies, senior centers, and grocery stores often offer flu and pneumococcal disease immunizations right before flu season. Today's vaccines are safe and effective although they may cause mild side effects.

ESSENTIAL IMMUNIZATIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Health care professionals recommend that older adults get these immunizations:

• FLU SHOTS. The flu virus changes often so your relative (and you!) should get a flu shot every year between September and mid-November. Common side effects are soreness, swelling, headache or low fever. They usually disappear by the next day.
• PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINE. Pneumococcal disease is a serious lung infection that can spread to other parts of the body. It is recommended for adults over 65 and can be given at along with a flu shot. Side effects are similar to those of flu shots.
• TETANUS is caused by bacteria that enter the body through a cut or puncture wound. Symptoms include stiffness in the jaw and neck, fever, and difficulty swallowing. Tetanus shots have few side effects – the most common is a sore arm. They need to be given every ten years.
• DIPTHERIA is a serious bacterial infection that may cause breathing and heart problems. The vaccine can be given at the same time as a tetanus shot or tetanus booster.
• SHINGLES. If your relative had chickenpox as a child he or she may by at risk for developing shingles in later life. After the chickenpox symptoms disappear, the virus that caused the disease stays in the body's nerve cells. Years later the virus may become active again and cause severe pain. Zostavax is a new vaccine that boosts the body's immunity to the herpes virus and lessens the pain of shingles. Ask your doctor for more information about this medication.

Regular immunizations can prevent serious illnesses in older people and their families. Keep records of your parent's immunizations and any side effects they may have experienced along with dates when booster shots are due. A prick on the arm is small price to pay to keep your relative and you – the caregiver – healthy!