Got Shots?

While you may believe you’re safe from influenza or pneumonia, think about this: 2,468,435 total people in the United States died in 2010; among the top 10 causes were influenza or pneumonia (listed as the 9^th most popular cause of death that year).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, slightly more than 50,000 people died that year from influenza or pneumonia, a significant number of them being over the age of 65. What’s disappointing about that number is that nearly all of these cases were preventable by a simple vaccine.

Senior citizens are among the highest at-risk populations to obtain either influenza or pneumonia. They are also at the greatest risk of dying from either disease. While this group is among the largest percentage of people who routinely receive the vaccinations for both diseases, that percentage is around only 65%. That means that 35% of our elderly population is at risk for catching the flu or pneumonia.

Of interest, the number of senior citizens who received vaccinations for influenza or pneumonia in 2010 was lower than those who had gotten them in 2009. Data beyond 2010 is still being analyzed; however, preliminary reports suggest that the number of people age 65 and older who got their influenza or pneumococcal vaccinations in 2011 had increased by nearly 4 percentage points. That’s a good sign as we move forward – when the population of people reaching and exceeding age 65 will surge in the coming years.

It should be of no surprise that the United States is experiencing the highest growth rate of senior citizens in its history. A CDC report, “The State of Aging and Health in America 2013,” credits two elements for this: the aging Baby Boomer generation and longer life expectancies. According to the CDC, by 2030, we will have about 72 million people age 65 and older living in the country – that’s approximately 20% of the total U.S. population.

While the report presented some interesting statistics, there are two key areas that remain national target goals: vaccinations for influenza and vaccinations for pneumonia. If the vaccination rate of 65% of senior citizens remains stagnant over the coming years, it will leave 25.2 million older adults unprotected from two deadly yet preventable diseases within the next two decades.

So, is it too late to get a flu shot?

According to the CDC, it is definitely not too late. Flu season peaks in January or February, but can extend into May. Therefore, you’re still gaining protection if you get the shot now. It is highly recommended that people over age 65 obtain the high dose shot of the influenza vaccine, which provides the additional antibodies needed to ward off the virus. As we age, the body’s ability to fend off illnesses weakens; therefore, stronger immunities through stronger vaccinations can be valuable. The important thing to remember about seasonal influenza is that you will need to get the vaccine each year. The virus mutates annually, so the antibodies you have for this season will not be effective in the next season. Don’t wait this long next season…mark your calendars to get the shot in September.

What about the pneumococcal vaccine? In contrast to influenza, pneumonia is not a mutating virus that changes annually. It is bacteria that cause the illness. The pneumococcal vaccination is a one-time shot and protects against 23 separate strains of bacteria that can produce pneumonia. It is important to know that those who were vaccinated earlier than age 60 are strongly encouraged to have a second vaccination at age 65 to boost immunity through the upper ages.

Of interest, there are more than 80 strains of bacteria that can cause pneumonia; however, the most common infections are produced by the 23 strains that the vaccine protects against.

Before signing up for any vaccination protocol, a senior citizen should first consult their primary care physician.

The CDC has discovered that there are certain health-related reasons why the influenza vaccine should be avoided: 1) those with allergies to chicken eggs; 2) those who have suffered severe reactions to the flu vaccine in prior years; 3) those who have a fever at the time the vaccination is to be given; and 4) those with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

As for the pneumonia immunization, those with a history of any negative health reaction to past vaccinations should avoid the vaccine. For pregnant women, it is unclear if the vaccine is harmful to either the mother or fetus if given to the pregnant woman. Research is still underway.

Regardless, if you’re interested in getting your influenza or pneumonia vaccine, contact your doctor to find out if you qualify for the immunizations and schedule your appointment today.

References

Bemis, E. (2012). Flu and pneumonia shots for seniors – is it too late? Retrieved from http://www.umh.org/assisted-independent-living-blog/bid/243191/Flu-and-Pneumonia-Shots-for-Seniors-Is-it-Too-Late.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Receipt of influenza vaccination. Receipt of pneumococcal vaccination. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/released201206.htm#4.

Flu.gov. (2013). Vaccination and vaccine safety. Retrieved from http://www.flu.gov/prevention-vaccination/vaccination/.

Murphy, S. L., Xu, J., Kochanek, K. D. (2013). Deaths: Final data for 2010. National Vital Statistics Reports, 61(4), 1-118. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr61/nvsr61_04.pdf.

Schiffman, G. and Shiel Jr., W. C. (2012). Pneumococcal vaccination. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/pneumococcal_vaccination/article.htm#what_is_pneumococcal_vaccination.