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Seniors, Take A Moment... For Vaccines - 02-05-2010
Back to All News ItemsIf you're over 65, vaccines can go a long way toward protecting you against complications that could land you in the hospital. Older people are far more likely than younger adults to suffer flu symptoms so severe they end up with pneumonia and can even die as a result.
Nonetheless, it seems many older Americans just aren't aware how important some vaccines can be. Federal health officials recommend at least three immunizations for those over 65: shingles, flu and pneumonia. Shingles and pneumonia are one-time shots. Flu vaccines are recommended yearly.
A new report finds that more than 30 percent of older adults weren't immunized against pneumonia in 2008. And only about one-third were immunized against the flu. The findings were released by the Trust for America's Health, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
For the complete article visit:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2010/02/seniors_take_a_moment_for_vacc.html?ft=1&f=103537970
or for more information, check out our "older adults" section on this website.