Do you want to keep enjoying family picnics or game nights with friends? Vaccines for seniors make that easier by keeping you healthy and strong.
Here at TerraBella Newton, right in the friendly town of Newton, NC, we see how much our residents value staying active and independent.
That's why getting the right shots is a big part of preventive care for seniors. Simple protection goes a long way.
Let's get started!
Your immune system acts like a team of guards keeping sickness away. Over time, those guards get a little tired. Cells that fight germs don't respond as quickly, and your body makes fewer antibodies to battle infections.
Simple bugs can turn into bigger problems because of this slowdown.
Seniors face higher risks from things like the flu or pneumonia since the body can't bounce back as easily. Preventive care for seniors steps in here to help.
Regular check-ups and healthy habits build up your defenses. Vaccines for seniors train your immune system to spot and stop threats before they cause trouble. Think about how much more you can enjoy daily walks or chats with neighbors when you're not sidelined by illness.
We know from health experts at the CDC that starting around age 65, the changes in the immune system speed up. These also support your immunity:
In our community, residents thrive with programs that encourage these steps.
Do you ever catch the flu and feel wiped out for days? For seniors, it can hit even harder, leading to hospital stays or worse. The flu shot vaccine protects against the main flu strains each year.
Health leaders recommend it for everyone over 65, with a high-dose version made just for older adults to give extra punch.
Get your shot in late summer or early fall, before flu season ramps up in Newton, NC. Cooler weather here brings more indoor time, which spreads germs faster.
The vaccine cuts your risk of getting sick by up to 60% and makes symptoms milder if you do catch it, as per the AMA.
Breathing easily is something we all take for granted until a lung issue pops up. Pneumonia shots, the other half of flu and pneumonia shots, guard against bacterial infections that cause pneumonia. These can sneak in after a cold or flu, hitting seniors hard because of weaker lungs.
The CDC now suggests starting these shots even earlier, at 50. Options include PCV20 or PCV21. One dose often does the trick if you haven't had them before.
If you've gotten older versions like PPSV23, your doctor might add another. No need for yearly boosters; these last long.
In Newton, NC, where winters can bring damp air, this protection matters. It lowers your chance of serious breathing troubles by up to 70%, says WebMD.
Expect mild redness at the shot site, but that's rare and quick to fade. Check your records and chat with your healthcare provider to stay current. Simple steps like this keep life flowing smoothly.
No one wants a rash that burns like fire and lingers for weeks. Shingles comes from the same virus as chickenpox, hiding in your body until later years. The shingles vaccine for older adults, called Shingrix, stops it in its tracks for most people.
Adults 50 and older should get two doses, spaced two to six months apart. Bass Medical Group says it's over 90% effective at preventing the rash and nerve pain that can last months or years.
Even if you've had shingles before, the shot helps avoid repeats. Side effects might include arm soreness or headache, but they pass in a couple of days.
Remember how COVID-19 shook things up? Updated vaccines keep you ahead of it. For seniors 65 and older, get two doses of the 2024-2025 version, six months apart, no matter your past shots.
These target new strains and boost your protection.
The vaccine slashes severe illness risks, especially if you have heart or lung issues. It's like refreshing your shield against a changing foe.
Mild side effects, such as fatigue or chills, usually last just a day.
Doctors recommend it alongside your flu shot for double defense. Stay informed through reliable sources and schedule yours soon. You'll feel more confident tackling daily adventures.
Cuts from gardening or a bad cough from whooping cough? Tdap and Td shots cover:
Get Tdap once as an adult, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.
Seniors benefit since tetanus hides in soil and can lock up muscles from small wounds. Pertussis spreads through coughs, tough on older lungs. The vaccine is quick and effective, with rare side effects like minor swelling.
Around grandkids in Newton? This protects everyone. It fits preventive care for seniors by preventing emergencies.
Update yours if it's been a decade! Your doctor can check. We see residents staying engaged without these worries.
Add it to your health checklist for steady protection.
Winter colds can turn serious with RSV, causing deep coughs and breathing woes. The RSV vaccine helps adults 75 and up, or those 60 to 74 with risks like diabetes or heart disease. One dose in late summer does the job.
The CDC says it cuts hospital risks by 80% for severe cases. Side effects are mild, like a headache. In cooler Newton months, this keeps you cozy at home.
As part of vaccines for seniors, it supports lung health. Discuss with your doctor if it fits you. Make it a priority for easier breathing.
Vaccines for seniors are one of the smartest ways to guard against common health bumps that come with getting older.
At TerraBella Newton, we make it our mission to support that vibrant lifestyle with our standout programs. Our SHINE® Memory Care Program, backed by science and honored with a National Certificate from the Alzheimer's Association, helps seniors with memory challenges live fully and with dignity.
Contact TerraBella Newton today to learn more about our caring community and schedule a visit!