Whether planning an early Spring get-away or staying close to home, as we age there are a number of vaccinations doctors are recommending to help prevent illness and maintain good health. Caregivers of seniors who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia should also remember to ensure that the older adult under their care is up-to-date on:
- Flu
- Pneumoccocal Disease
- Tetnus and Diptheria
- Shinges
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella
Because of recent outbreaks of mumps, older adults who do not remember if they have received a vaccination for MMR, should consider getting immunized. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the recommended two doses of MMR are 88 per cent effective in preventing the disease. In some cases, mumps can cause serious complications including deafness, meningitis or encephalitis.
After age 60, it is recommended that you get a shingles vaccine, even if you have had shingles before. The flu vaccine is also recommended for all adults each year as well as at least one dose of pneumococcal PCV13 and PPSV23, depending on age and health. Talk with your doctor if you are traveling for added vaccines or if you did not receive MMR or Varicella vaccines as a child.
To learn more about vaccinations including recommended shots for travel, visit the National Institute on Aging at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/shots-safety .
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