National Immunization Awareness Month

Visiting Angels is proud to participate in National Immunization Awareness Month as a way to remind older adults of the importance of becoming immunized. All adults should be protected against flu, whooping cough, tetanus, shingles, and pneumococcal disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),  pneumonia and influenza rank in the top 10 causes of death for seniors. People over 65 who have chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or COPD, are particularly encouraged to become vaccinated as they’re at a greater risk. Medicare may cover these vaccines: flu, pneumococcal, hepatitis B, shingles, MMR (measles), and Tdap. By making sure their immunizations are current, seniors can live a longer, stronger life and protect others by preventing the spread of disease.

PNEUMONIA VACCINE: Pneumococcal disease is spread through the air, person-to-person. It is recommended that people over 65 should get a one-time pneumococcal vaccine.

FLU VACCINE: Since the flu virus changes from year-to-year, adults should get a flu shot each September or October.

TETANUS VACCINE: Tetanus bacteria enters the body through cuts in the skin. Adults should get a tetanus shot every 10 years.

SHINGLES VACCINE: If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, you can develop shingles. At least 1 million people a year get shingles in the U.S. A shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of getting shingles by 50%. A single dose of the vaccine is recommended for those 60 years and older.

Td/Tdap VACCINE: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Adults may unknowingly pass the whooping cough infections to babies, which can be deadly.

Always check with your health care professional before getting vaccinated.

Read our other Community Resource Bulletins. Download the August Immunization Awareness Month Community Resource Bulletin for more information: 2 Important Reasons for Adults to Get Vaccinated, Age Page Shots for Safety, Shingles Vaccine What You Need to Know, Flu and Pneumonia Vaccination Myths, and a Vaccination Word Find