According to the Cleveland Clinic, pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites) cause hundreds of infectious diseases. COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are examples of common illnesses people, especially seniors, can acquire due to these "germs."
Older people have higher risks of getting infectious diseases because aging can lead to "immunosenescence." It's the medical term for age-related decline in immune system functions.
The good news is that if you or a loved one in Dover, DE, faces a high infection risk due to advancing age, getting recommended vaccines for seniors can help protect you against these illnesses.
The kind team at State Street, our retirement village in Dover, Delaware's beautiful capital city, steeped in history and known for its nature preserves, put together this assisted living and memory care wellness guide. Read on to learn about the recommended senior vaccine schedule and which shots to consider.
COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It infects the respiratory system and spreads through droplets that infected individuals release when they:
COVID-19 symptoms are similar to those of the flu, such as fever, body aches, coughing, and shortness of breath. The illness caused by SARS-CoV-2 can range from mild to severe. The severity of the disease and its complications increase in unvaccinated individuals and seniors.
As the U.S. CDC points out, COVID-19 has taken the lives of almost 1.2 million people in the U.S. as of June 1, 2024. Because it is deadly, the health agency recommends getting and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.
There are three 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines available, one of which seniors should include and tick off their older adult immunization checklist. They include:
As the most recent versions, they provide better protection than their predecessors against currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains.
Like COVID-19, the flu is a respiratory infection caused by viruses, specifically influenza A and B viruses. It's highly contagious and can spread through airborne droplets from infected people. It can cause minor to severe symptoms, such as:
Flu viruses are most active during winter, which is why getting flu shots in fall or early winter is integral to preventative care for older adults. Proper hygiene habits (e.g., hand washing, showering, and maintaining a clean home) can also help prevent the spread of germs.
As Healthline explains, several flu vaccines are available and designed specifically for adults 65 years and older, including high-dose trivalent vaccines, such as Fluzone. It helps strengthen older adults' immune system response to lower their risk of acquiring influenza. Fluzone protects against three flu strains, including:
Another flu shot designed for adults 65 and older is FLUAD. It's a standard-dose trivalent vaccine consisting of an adjuvant, an ingredient that aids in triggering a stronger immune response.
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by pneumococcus or "Streptococcus pneumoniae," a type of bacteria. It's behind many different types of illnesses, including:
The symptoms of pneumococcal disease depend on the type of infection it causes. People with otitis media, for instance, may experience signs of conductive hearing loss, such as a sensation of fullness and pain in the ear. Bacteremia, on the other hand, may manifest as nausea and vomiting, while those with pneumonia may have fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pains.
Pneumococcal disease spreads to others via direct contact with respiratory droplets and secretions, such as mucus or saliva.
Because of its highly contagious nature and potential to cause severe illness, especially among adults 50 and older, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) recommends that they get pneumococcal vaccination. NFID also says that adults 65 years or older who haven't had a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) should get one dose of either:
If given PCV15, seniors should also receive a dose of PPSV23. It's a type of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine that safeguards against severe infections caused by 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Shingles is an infectious disease caused by the same virus behind chickenpox, known as the "varicella-zoster virus" (VZV). While it's not usually life-threatening, it can cause severe pain and complications like neurological problems, including encephalitis (brain inflammation) and problems with balance or hearing.
Shingles vaccines, such as Shingrix, can help reduce the risk of acquiring this viral infection in people aged 50 and older.
RSV is a viral infection that commonly affects babies under 6 months and older adults. Its symptoms are similar to those of COVID-19, the flu, and the common cold.
According to the U.S. CDC, one dose of the RSV vaccine, ideally administered in August to October, can protect against RSV disease for at least two years. It recommends the RSV vaccine to all adults 75 and older and those aged 50 to 74 with a higher risk of acquiring severe RSV, including those with:
In some cases, seniors who are eligible for the RSV vaccine and also need flu and shingles shots can get them together.
Recommended vaccines for seniors include those that protect against COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal disease, shingles, and RSV. They can help older adults lower their risk of illnesses and complications.
At State Street, our top priority is to empower our senior residents to age with good health, which includes helping them avoid infectious diseases. We want them to enjoy their golden years, which is why we deliver personalized care and support, including assisting them with personal grooming, hygiene, and home cleaning and sanitation, which can help prevent the spread of germs.
So, if you or an older loved one is looking for a senior living community in Dover, DE, that prioritizes health and wellness, consider State Street. Call us today to book a tour!