August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and with flu season only a few months away, it is a great time to remind older adults that vaccines aren’t just for kids! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults over age 65 are at greatest risk for complications from the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and above get a flu vaccine by the end of October if possible.
Older adults are also at risk for contracting shingles, a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. According to the CDC, one in three adults age 60+ will get shingles, and one in six will suffer from long-term pain caused by their bout with shingles. A vaccine can reduce your risk of contracting shingles and, if you do get the virus, it can help lessen the chance that you will suffer from long-term pain.
Be sure to discuss which vaccines are recommended for you with your healthcare provider. Your doctor can tell you which vaccines are appropriate given your age, health history and other personal information.
For more information on the CDC’s vaccination schedule, visit their website
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