National Immunization Awareness Month: What Seniors in Blue Ridge Should Know

Did you know that immunizations prevent an estimated 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year? According to the World Health Organization, there are now over 30 vaccines in existence to prevent infections and diseases that used to be deadly. 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, presenting the perfect opportunity to discuss the benefits of vaccines, immunization tips for aging adults, and the types of senior vaccines in Blue Ridge, GA.

Read on to learn more! 

What Is National Immunization Awareness Month? 

Celebrated every August, National Immunization Awareness Month (NAIM) occurs annually. Its main mission is to emphasize the importance of vaccines for all demographics.

In addition, NAIM aims to: 

• Increase awareness of vaccines available
• Help make vaccines more accessible
• Combat vaccine disinformation 
• Provide key messages to promote vaccination 
• Spread preventive care awareness

The Benefits of Vaccines

Even though you may not notice them, vaccines present many tangible benefits. Here are just a few: 

Protecting Vulnerable Populations

Some groups of people are unable to get vaccinated, such as: 

• Those who are allergic to vaccine ingredients
• Those undergoing treatment for cancer or other diseases that require immunosuppression
• Those who aren't in the appropriate demographic, such as babies and young children 

When enough people are vaccinated, it creates herd immunity. A high percentage of vaccinated individuals protects the unvaccinated from disease.

When the percentage falls below a threshold, the risk for vulnerable groups to contract the disease increases. Therefore, if you can get a vaccine, you should. 

Reduced Severity of Disease

Even if a vaccine doesn't offer full protection against disease, it can still drastically reduce the severity. For instance, the flu shot for seniors aims primarily to prevent severe disease and hospitalization, rather than to prevent transmission.

Severe illness is not only uncomfortable and painful, but it can also be deadly. Imagine being able to resume normal activities after a few days, rather than weeks. A vaccine can offer that benefit for seniors. 

Stopping the Spread of Preventable Diseases 

Vaccines are a wonder of modern science and innovation. However, they only work effectively if enough people receive the vaccination when required. 

When eligible populations do not get immunized, it reduces herd immunity and increases the chances of illness for vulnerable groups. It can also allow the disease to spread and mutate, rendering current vaccines less effective at best orcompletely ineffective at worst. 

Lessening Strain on the Healthcare System 

According to the American Hospital Association, there is going to be a major healthcare worker shortage by 2028. Even currently, there are not enough healthcare professionals to keep up with the volume of patients. 

For seniors, severe disease often leads to hospitalization, which can put unnecessary strain on the healthcare system. Receiving vaccines when recommended can alleviate that strain and prevent seniors from requiring more healthcare resources.

Immunization Tips for Aging Adults

Are you wondering how best to go about receiving your vaccines as a senior? Here are some helpful tips if you aren't sure where to begin:

Schedule Your Vaccines Early

Try to get your vaccines before peak season, especially for viruses such as influenza and COVID-19. These illnesses tend to peak in autumn and winter, so aim to get your annual vaccines by September or October. 

Sometimes when vaccines are recommended during an appointment, you can receive them immediately after your doctor's appointment. If that is not feasible, check your local drugstores and pharmacies to see if there are vaccine appointments available. If you're a veteran, consider going to the VA and asking about vaccine availability. 

Have Regular Discussions With Your Doctor 

At your doctor's appointments, regularly ask your doctor if there are any vaccines they recommend. If you receive a new diagnosis, it may prompt the need for extra protection through immunizations. 

For instance, if you develop asthma in your later years, you may need to receive the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against the bacteria that cause pneumonia and other respiratory infections. 

Be Prepared for Side Effects 

Although severe side effects aren't common with vaccinations, they are still possible. It is important to go over potential side effects before receiving your immunizations. 

Some of the common side effects that occur with vaccinations include: 

• Soreness at the vaccination site (usually the arm) 
• Body aches
• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue 
• Headache

Plan ahead to accommodate side effects if possible.For instance, if you know that you don't respond well to vaccines, set aside a few days following your shot to rest and recover before resuming normal activities. 

Stay Informed About New Vaccines and Research

The world of vaccine development and research is ever-evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest breakthroughs. For instance, in the shingles vaccine information world, the Shingrix vaccine has outperformed older shingles immunizations.

If you are interested in vaccine development, consider signing up for clinical trials and studies. You may get access to newer immunizations that could benefit you, and many trials come with perks such as compensation. 

Encourage Others to Get Vaccinated

The most effective defense against disease is proactive engagement. As more people receive immunizations, their effectiveness overall increases. 

Spread awareness about vaccines in your assisted living community. Talk to others about the benefits of immunizations and how much positive impact they have had worldwide. 

Common Vaccines for Seniors

Here are some of the most common vaccines that are recommended for seniors: 

• Shingles: Since most seniors of today have contracted the chickenpox virus, the risk of shingles is high. 
• Influenza: A flu shot for seniors is recommended at least once a year.
• COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the severity of illness and prevent long COVID.
• Pneumococcal: It can prevent pneumonia and other respiratory conditions from developing.

Stay Healthy at Blue Ridge

You do not have to wait until August every year to celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month. With this guide, you can promote vaccination and healthy living year-round. 

At Blue Ridge Assisted Living & Memory Care, we prioritize the health and well-being of our residents. With exclusive programs that focus on health and fitness, delicious dining, and enriching activities and events, our program is designed to give our residents a fulfilling lifestyle. 

Ready to learn more? Reach out to us today to schedule a tour of our beautiful location in Blue Ridge, GA, to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!