Vaccines Recommended for Seniors in Rogers, AR

Did you know that older adults also get immunizations? According to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, around 49% of seniors above 75 years had received the COVID-19 shot as of December 2024.

Getting vaccinated is vital for older adults living in Rogers, Arkansas, as they are at a high risk of contracting severe diseases. Immunization enhances wellness for older adults and builds up immunity.

Let's discuss some of the vaccines recommended for seniors in Rogers, AR.

Flu Vaccine

Flu is a common virus that causes muscle aches, stuffy nose, chills, fever, and sore throat. This virus is also known as influenza and can be harmful if it affects the lungs. Older adults in independent living in Rogers, AR, are at high risk of developing flu complications like pneumonia.

Additionally, the flu is a communicable disease, which means it easily moves from one person to the other. It's important that seniors get the flu vaccine every year to ensure its effectiveness. Getting the vaccine as advised makes you less likely to be hospitalized or fall seriously ill from influenza.

Older individuals living with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease can benefit significantly from the flu vaccine.

Shingles Vaccine

As an older adult living in Rogers, AR, you should consider adding the shingles vaccine to your adult immunization checklist. The same virus that causes chickenpox is also responsible for shingles.

If you suffered from chickenpox when you were younger, the virus remains in your body. It may become active again in your old age and cause shingles. Some of the common symptoms of shingles include the following:

Itching or tingling
Shooting pain
Burning
Fluid-filled blisters

Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles. It leaves you in pain even after the rash clears. The shingles vaccine protects you from PHN and shingles.

It's recommended that seniors above the age of 50 get the shingles vaccine regardless of whether they've gotten the chickenpox immunization. In the United States, older adults get the shingles shot in two doses, two to six months apart.

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) are serious diseases caused by bacteria. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, enters the body through a burn or a deep cut. The bacteria that cause tetanus live in manure, dust, and soil.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, leads to violent and uncontrollable coughing fits that can make it difficult to breathe. Diphtheria, on the other hand, affects the skin, nose, throat, and tonsils. Both pertussis and diphtheria can spread from one individual to the other.

Vaccines for these diseases are mostly given to children. However, older adults in senior living apartments in Rogers, AR, need booster immunizations to protect themselves from illnesses. The booster Tdap shot is given every ten years.

Pneumonia Immunizations

Pneumococcal disease spreads from one individual to the other through the air. This infection affects the lungs and, in some cases, different parts of the body.

Seniors are at a high risk of contracting pneumonia compared to younger individuals. This makes it essential for older adults to take preventative care in Rogers. The pneumococcal shot is a one-time vaccine.

It protects against more than 15 kinds of pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause serious infections in seniors. This vaccine can last your entire lifetime and is 70% effective in preventing severe complications.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 is a disease that causes shortness of breath, cough, and fever. The older population in senior living in Rogers, AR, is more susceptible to getting severely sick from COVID-19. This can cause severe disease or even death.

There are three vaccines given for coronavirus: two that require two doses and a third single-dose immunization. You're only fully vaccinated two weeks after you've gotten the second dose or after the one-dose shot.

COVID booster vaccines further enhance your protection from the infectious coronavirus. After getting the two-dose vaccine, you're required to wait five months after your second dose to get a booster shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises older adults to get the booster vaccine two months after the single-dose immunization.

RSV Vaccine for Seniors

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes mild symptoms that resemble a cold. However, when seniors in Rogers, AR, get RSV, they're likely to experience severe symptoms. This virus is hazardous for individuals with a weakened immune system or chronic diseases.

RSV can be life-threatening and lead to hospitalization of older adults who contract it. There are immunizations available to protect adults above 60 years from the complications that come with RSV.

The RSV vaccine is usually administered before the start of the fall and winter months when the infection is most common. However, feel free to get the shot at any time of the year.

Travel Vaccines

When planning to visit other countries, it's vital that you check with a health practitioner about the vaccines you may need. Different destinations require travelers to get various vaccines. This also depends on your medical history and the activities you plan to do.

Sometimes, you may need multiple doses and vaccines. Older adults should get these vaccines around four to six weeks before traveling to get the best protection and give enough time to build immunity.

Most shots have mild side effects, including:

Swelling
Pain
Redness at the spot where the immunization was given

Ensure you inform your doctor about your health history before receiving any vaccines. Moreover, always keep a record of your vaccination as a senior health guide to help stay updated on your shots.

Maintain Good Health With Vaccines Recommended for Seniors

Vaccines recommended for seniors are a vital preventative measure to protect you and those around you. As you grow older, your immune system weakens, and it becomes difficult to fight diseases. This explains why you should get flu and shingles vaccines, among others.

Morada Rogers offers quality senior living for older adults looking to live an independent and maintenance-free lifestyle. Our residents have full access to amenities such as fitness centers and wellness classes that keep them engaged and active.

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