We often think of vaccinations as something we get our kids, but an elderly parent is another person that it’s important to make sure gets their vaccinations each year. As a caregiver, make sure to have records for your parent about which vaccines they will need each year, which ones they need to get updated as well as any changes that may come with their age for vaccinations.
Flu
Home Care Bellville OH – Important Vaccinations for Your Elderly ParentSince the elderly are often the worst affected population with the flu, it’s important you make sure your parent receives their flu shot as soon as it’s available, even if the traditional “flu season” is months away. Many pharmacies and clinics offer free flu shots, and some places will even offer little incentives to receive a flu shot (such as a gift card or promo item). Their home care provider can transport your parent if he needs help getting to a place that provides the shot. More than 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older, so getting this shot for your parent will help them stay healthier during the next flu season.
As a side note, if your parent is eligible, your parent should request to receive the high-dose flu shot, which has four times the amount of antigen than the regular flu vaccine.
Pneumonia – both Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax 23
The Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) protects against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections while the Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) protects against serious pneumococcal disease and pneumonia and is recommended for anyone with a weakened immune system. Have your parent check with his physician to see if these two vaccinations are recommended for them to take.
Shingles Vaccine
The risk of shingles increases as your parent grows older and almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. Shingles is viral infection that causes a painful rash and is caused by the same virus that brings on chicken pox. Shingles is not a life-threatening condition, but the pain that comes along with it can be intense. This vaccine is also often available for just asking at your local pharmacy or clinic. Their home care provider can have your parent get this shot when they get their flu shot.
Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine and Td Booster Shots.
If your parent hasn’t had a Tdap vaccination as an adolescent, they should get one to reduce the possibility of him getting whooping cough. The Td (tetanus/diphtheria) booster is recommended for everyone every ten years. It can easily be forgotten about as a person gets older, so have your parent have their medical records reviewed to see if they are up-to-date on their boosters.
COVID-19
If this vaccination is now available in your area, check with your local doctor’s office or pharmacy about when your parent can receive their first dose. At this time, it requires two doses so make sure they’re set up to receive both.
There’s no guarantees that your parent won’t get sick occasionally, but staying up-to-date on vaccinations is a great place to start for healthy living.
If you are considering Home Care Services in Bellville OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Ontario and the surrounding areas.
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