More than 60% of tetanus
infections occur in people over 60.
Booster shots are recommended every 10 years, but 10 years is a long
time and I’d be willing to bet that you can’t remember when you had your last
one.
Everyone knows that the flu
is highly contagious and can have serious consequences when contracted by an
older adult, but still every year I hear people refusing shots because they
think they get sicker from the shot than from the flu. Annual influenza vaccinations are recommended
for everyone age 65 and older. The
vaccines are most effective when giving in the fall.
Older people are more likely
than younger ones to develop pneumococcal disease and it can be quite severe in
the elderly. It is wise to be vaccinated
beginning at age 65 and have a repeat injection every 6 years. Speak to your doctor about hepatitis B
immunization, especially if you are traveling abroad.
Immunizations work by
helping your immune system recognize and attack diseases before they can cause
problems. Some immunizations are given
in a single shot while others require shots over a period of time. Remember:
·
Immunizations
are effective. They do prevent disease.
·
Immunizations
cost very little (much less than treating the illness they prevent).
·
The risks are
low (reactions are usually mild and short termed).
·
Immunizations
reduce the risk of epidemics
Do not assume that you have
achieved a natural immunity during of the course of your lifetime.
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