Home Care Providers Recommend Senior Vaccinations in Calgary, AB

Home Care Blog  |  August 11, 2017

Home Care Providers Recommend Senior Vaccinations

Senior Vaccinations | August is National Immunization Awareness Month in Calgary, AB and that means it’s time to update vaccinations for seniors. Getting regular vaccinations, like a yearly flu shot, is very important for seniors who want to stay healthy throughout the year. Not sure what vaccinations you should have? Here our home care providers take a closer look at the types of immunizations that are a must for all senior adults.

Diphtheria & Tetanus

In order to protect themselves from Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis, senior citizens should get the TDAP vaccine. Doctors recommend that older adults get this vaccination every 10 years to ensure that they do not develop any of these diseases. The TDAP vaccine can also protect them against Pertussis or the whooping cough which can be hazardous to a senior’s young grandchildren.

Chickenpox & Shingles

If an older adult has never been vaccinated for chicken pox, now is the perfect time for them to do so. There is a certain vaccine that can actually protect seniors from chickenpox and shingles, a painful rash that often arises in individuals who are age 50 or older. It’s important to note that even though chickenpox and shingles arise from the same bacteria, two separate vaccines are necessary to protect against both diseases. Even if your loved one has been vaccinated before if it’s been five years or more since they were vaccinated they need to be vaccinated again.

Pneumococcal

Pneumonia is something that seniors should try to avoid at all costs. Especially seniors who already have problems with their lungs because of asthma or conditions like COPD. Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill up with fluid or pus and make it difficult for an individual to breathe in enough oxygen to reach their bloodstream. Pneumonia is one of the most frequent causes of death for seniors. But a simple vaccination can keep seniors safe in most cases.

If a senior citizen had a pneumonia shot as a child, they are likely still eligible for another one. It should be noted that while the pneumonia vaccine may protect seniors from pneumonia, preventing this condition by quitting smoking and practicing healthy lifestyle habits is essential.

Influenza

Unfortunately, the flu is not uncommon among the older population. It can bring senior citizens a great deal of discomfort, a slow recovery period, and in some serious cases, death. This holds true because aging leads to a weaker immune system that makes it difficult to fight of illnesses like the flu. The good news is that a yearly flu shot can help older adults avoid this disease.

Other Vaccinations

There are also other vaccines that doctors might recommend for seniors depending on their individual medical history. A doctor may recommend a vaccine for Mumps, Measles, Meningitis, and Hepatitis A and B. Since every older adult has a different medical background, seniors should take the time to sit down with their doctor and home care providers to determine which other vaccinations make sense for them.

Seniors who have put off going to the doctor to get vaccinations should make it their priority during August to get those vaccinations. Most insurance companies cover the full cost of the vaccinations so that there is little or no out of pocket cost to seniors. All it takes is a little time to prevent some nasty illnesses.

If you have a senior loved one in the Calgary, AB area that needs a little extra help around the house but doesn’t want to give up their independence an in home caregiver can help. Home care providers can offer many services ranging from cooking and cleaning to helping with personal care. Talk to one of our senior care specialists today to find out more in home care services.

Share This Post: