Page 17 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - September 2019 - 26-09

ALL NEED THEM
Due to recent significant increases in pertussis infections, there have been some outbreaks that have reached epi- demic levels. It is important all adults receive at least one dose of Tdap to allow for protection against all three bacterial infections (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). Adult’s ages 65 years and older are recommended to be given a single dose of Tdap if they have not previously received one. One dose of Tdap per lifetime to is used to replace one of the Td booster doses.
body, even the face and eyes. The
main symptom of shingles is severe pain. Some will have severe pain that can continue even long after their rash clears up. It estimated that 30% of peo- ple who have been infected with chick- enpox will develop shingles/zoster.
Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria, which can lead to seri- ous infections in the lungs, blood, and brain. People sometimes call pneumococcal disease "pneumonia." You can catch the pneumococcal bac- teria from people who cough or sneeze around you. You are at greater risk for infection if you are 65 or older, very young, have a weakened immune sys- tem, or have heart or lung disease. You can protect yourself against the serious types of blood and brain infections by getting vaccinated.
Although some medicines can help treat the symptoms of shingles, there
is no cure. The best way to prevent shingles and its serious complications is to get vaccinated. You should get the shingles shot if you are age 50 years or older, even if you’ve already had shin- gles. It is possible to get the disease more than once. The vaccine available today on the market is called Shingrix. Shingrix, approved by the FDA in 2017, is a new safe and effective non-live vaccine to prevent shingles. Patients over 50 years who receive
two doses of Shingrix separated by
2-6 months have over a 90% reduc- tion in risk of developing shingles. In comparison, the live Zostavax vaccine is about 51% effective at preventing shingles. CDC recommends Shingrix as preferred over Zostavax, however Zostavax can still be used in certain cases.
Everyone should have a copy of their immunization records read-
ily available with this important information. If you are unable to locate your immunization records, you can work with your doctor’s office to complete an Immunization Assessment. Then you and your doc- tor can identify the immunizations that are appropriate for you. Based on what you need, your doctor may be able to provide the immunization you need on that day.
The first pneumococcal vaccine that older adults should receive is the pneu- mococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV13. The vaccine protects against 13 differ- ent strains of pneumococcal bacteria. The vaccine is currently recommended for all adults 65 year of age or older. Adults that are younger than 65, may need to receive this vaccine if they have weakened immune system from medications or certain health conditions.
Senior Times - September 2019
Page 17
JoYs
Ensuring The
in Simple Pleasures
Tending to owers; singing hymns; enjoying a cup of coffee with friends...
These simple, enjoyable pastimes are sometimes lost
when an individual enters an Alzheimer’s/dementia journey. However, the secure Legacy Lane memory care neighborhod at the The Oaks of Northpointe Woods, you will find our residents participating in these activities and more.
HEALTH CAMPUS SERVICES
Short-Term & Long-Term Rehab, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Outpatient Therapy, Respite Care, and Adult Day Services
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The second vaccine for protection against pneumococcal disease is pneu- mococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23. This is the vaccine that we have been using for years to protect older adults from pneumococcal dis- ease. This particular vaccine provides protection against 23 strains of pneu- mococcal bacteria.
It may be helpful for you to know that the cost of many of the immuni- zations we talked about today is a cov- ered benefit under your health plans.
• Tdap (for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and
Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine? The current vaccine is recom- mended to all adults 65 years of age and older. In most cases you will only need one vaccination in your lifetime.
Pertussis) and Shingrix (for Shingles) is a covered benefit under the Medicare Part D, drug program.
With the addition of PCV13 vaccine in the adult immunization recommen- dations, some folks may need to catch up in order to be current in their vac- cine coverage. As we heard previously, how long you may need to wait to receive each one of the vaccines can be as long as a year. With this new sched- ule, it can be rather confusing on when is the right time to get each vaccine.
• The influenza (flu) and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines are covered under the Medicare Part B program.
Shingles is a painful disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is also called zoster. Shingles usually includes a painful rash with blisters that can occur in a patch or a streak anywhere on your
Adults need to continue to keep their immunizations up to date. Being immunized against preventable diseas- es does not stop at childhood. Seniors should continue to be an example of good health. Important immunizations for adults against vaccine preventable diseases include: Influenza Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Pneumococcal, and Shingles. To help you to determine what you need, ask your doctor which vaccines they would recommend
for you.
Life is Even Better
at NorthPointe Woods!
675 Wagner Dr, Battle Creek, MI (269) 969-6244 www.advantageliving.net
Short Term Rehab | Spacious Private Rooms Specialized Alzheimer’s | Dementia Unit
Most Insurances Accepted Including Medicare & Medicaid
Excellent Care For An Independent Life
“Dad’s respite stay at NorthPointe Woods was a very positive experience and we appreciated the level of care and attention he received as well as the sincerity of the sta .”
— THE WARD FAMILY
Call (269) 964-7625 to arrange your visit today!
700 North Avenue in Battle Creek NorthPointeWoods.org