2017 Fall Immunizations!

Available at the TRAAC Wednesday, October 4th & Tuesday, October 10th.

The time of the year for flu immunizations will soon be here. But, did you know that there are several other immunizations that as a senior you should also be considering. Here are a few immunizations to think about for this year.

The first is the flu shot. Everyone is familiar with this one. This is an annual shot that is developed by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) that is designed to protect you from the most common types of the flu virus that are predicated to impact the largest number of people for the upcoming flu season. Like most predications, it can fall a little short of the mark, but without the shot, you are more likely to become sick with the flu, while the duration can be longer and more severe. Here are some additional fun facts about the flu virus to consider. You can get the flu from someone six feet away, who does not appear to be sick. The flu can have an incubation period, in which you look and feel fine, as signs of the flu generally do not present for several days after contact. The flu can last up to two weeks, with the first week being the most severe. Many people end up hospitalized from the flu, and for some, the flu can turn into pneumonia. And yes, people can die from the flu and pneumonia. In fact, as we age, the likelihood of the flu becoming serious or life threatening increases. There are a couple different types of flu shots available, the standard shot or trivalent is designed to protect you from three of the most common varieties of the flu. The quadvalent protects you from four of the most common types of the flu. The High Dose is recommended for everyone over the age of 65, as it contains a higher amount of antigens which develop a stronger immune response. And the best news of all is whichever flu shot is right for you, chances are your insurance benefit will pay for your shot, most with no copays or deductibles.

Next are the pneumonia shots. That's right, there are more than one. The first, Pneumococcal pneumonia shot, is available for everyone, and is strongly recommended by healthcare professionals for anyone who has underlying health issues such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, high blood pressure, or any condition that might compromise your immune system. This shot is recommended for most people every five years until 65, but always follow the advice of your doctor on whether you should get one more frequently. The second shot is the Prevnar13. The CDC estimates there are over 50 different types of pneumonia, with the Pneumococcal pneumonia shot covering only 23 of the most common types. The Prevnar shot adds protection for an additional 13 strands. Unfortunately, the Prevnar shot is only available for people 65 and older at this time. However, getting both shots gives you the best protection against pneumonia available at this time. Both shots are generally covered by insurance, but can have minimal copays, and they cannot be given together. If you are not sure if you have had one or both of these, check with your healthcare professional.

Next is the Shingles shot. Shingles is a virus that already exists in people who had chicken pox. It can present itself as a very painful red and blistering rash. The rash can be present for up to a month, but the nerve pain from the virus can last for several months. And regrettably, you can get the shingles more than once. Several factors can determine whether you will get the shingles, such as additional stress or age, but no one can predict how severe a case can be. Some can be mild, some excruciating. The Zostavax, or shingles immunization is designed to prevent, or lessen the severity and duration of the shingles. Currently, it is a live virus, which means it must remain frozen till it is ready to be used, so it is not readily portable. Additionally, it is an expensive shot, and most insurances do charge a co pay for this one.

Finally, there is the Tdap shot. Many of us refer to this one as the Whooping cough or Tetanus booster. Both are actually correct. This shot does protect you, and those around you from Whooping Cough, or pertussis, a very serious illness, particularly for infants less than 12 months of age. Complications can include hospitalization, pneumonia, seizures, brain disorders, and even death. Everyone, including grandparents, who are around a newborn infant should get this one updated. The shot also protects you from Tetanus, a bacteria that lives in the soil, and enters the body through any open cut or wound. Tetanus results in a condition known as lockjaw, a painful condition that limits jaw movement. Tetanus boosters should be updated every ten years. Most insurance do cover the Tdap immunization, but may include a co payment.

There are other immunizations available depending on the individual. Folks that are travelling abroad, getting a new tattoo, or have a chronic health condition, such diabetes may wish to consider a Hepatitis B shot series. The CDC is starting to recommend a MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella booster for adults of a certain age group. And the list goes on. If you have question concerning your immunization history, and want to make sure you are up to date, it is always best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.

We will be coming to the Tri County Active Adult Center this fall to provide a flu immunization program for the staff and members. We recommend you sign up for a time slot, and complete your questionnaire in advance of your appointment. Additionally, you will need your insurance information to receive your flu shot. We will take walk ins during the program, but you may have to wait for a period of time, so sign up early to get your preferred time slot. If you are interested in any of the other immunizations we offer, we can bring those along for you, but we will need to know in advance, so we may verify your insurance coverage, and let you know what copays you would need to pay at the time of the program. The exception would be the Shingles shot. As this immunization must remain frozen until use, appointments would need to be set up and all insurances would have to be verified, and co pays collection prior to the date of the program. Walk in request, and refunds for missed appointments would not be available.