SENIORS AND VACCINATIONS

With COVID-19 and its vaccine protocol behind us, I felt it is equally important to discuss the other recommended vaccinations for adults. In our senior population treated by Hansa Medical Groupe, prevention is imperative for improved outcomes.

The other vaccinations include Influenza, Tetanus, Varicella, Zoster or Shingles, and Pneumococcal.

Influenza or LAIV4
The flu shot is familiar to most of the population. Given yearly, it’s recommended for all adults. Certain allergies and medical conditions prohibit specific adults from getting this vaccine. Immunocompromised adults, pregnant women, and those without a spleen are some of the conditions that prohibit the flu shot.

Tetanus or Tdap
Most adults of this generation were vaccinated as children with Tdap. An initial vaccine can be given at any adult age. Booster shots are recommended every 10 years or when a perceived infection risk occurs and the booster history cannot be confirmed. Lower extremity wounds are common in the elderly, especially with conditions like diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, which reduce their ability to feel. Those with wounds are often given boosters since vaccination records are not readily available.

Varicella
A two-dose series is allowed for any adult not vaccinated prior. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and in severe immunocompromising conditions.

Zoster or Shingles Shot
It is recommended for adults over the age of 50. It is a two-dose series of RZV (Shingrix) given 2 to 6 months apart, regardless of prior herpes zoster or history of the zoster vaccine live (ZVL, Zostavax). Many patients have complained of getting a small shingles infection, but most have a blunted version when having the vaccine onboard.

Pneumococcal or PPSV23
This vaccine is recommended for adults over the age of 65. The adult should be immunocompetent. It is one dose of PPSV23 every 5 years. Pneumonia and respiratory illness are the most common causes of death in the senior population.

COVID-19
The CDC is recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for adults ages 18 and older. Children 6 months to 17 years of age should have a discussion between parents, guardians, and their health care provider. The recommended isolation period has also changed from 5 days of avoidance of others to now 24 hours. Testing is also optional, with symptoms being considered an indication for isolation. Please check with your trusted health care provider for the most current recommendation, also taking your personal health history into consideration.

Hansa Medical Groupe has offices at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and in Chicago, 847-920-0902, hansamedicalgroupe.com.