Vaccines Recommended for Seniors in San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX, with its year-round warm weather, affordability, and accessibility, is a "top pick" for retirees who love adventures and saving money, according to Investopedia. In this beautiful city known for its historical significance and the River Walk, an average of 250 days of sunshine and many physical, social, and recreational activities await seniors.

To enjoy San Antonio life, though, older adults need to stay on top of their health. Getting vaccines recommended for seniors is one way to achieve this. Older adult vaccinations can help prevent severe infectious diseases, empowering seniors to make the most of their golden years as Alamo City retirees.

The caring team at Discovery Village Stone Oak, our senior living community in San Antonio, TX, shares insights and preventative care tips in this senior immunization checklist, so please read on.

Influenza Vaccine

Flu (short for "influenza") is a contagious disease of the respiratory system, meaning it can pass from one person to another. It affects the:

Nose
Throat
Lungs

According to the U.S. CDC, people 65 years and older have a higher risk of developing severe complications from the flu. Indeed, they account for an estimated 50% to 70% of flu-related hospitalizations in recent years. To combat this growing problem, the health agency recommends seniors get specific flu shots, such as a higher dose or an adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 is another contagious respiratory illness. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes this disease.

According to the National Council on Aging, older adults have a higher risk of experiencing severe complications and illnesses due to SARS-CoV-2. The increased risk is due to:

A weakened immune system
Age-related decrease in the body's ability to fight off infection
Age-related inflammation
Ongoing health problems (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and kidney disease)

Considering its adverse effects and complications, seniors should consider getting COVID-19 shots, including mRNA vaccines.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

RSV is a virus that infects the respiratory tract and lungs. According to the American Lung Association, it's a common culprit behind pneumonia and lands as many as 160,000 older American adults in hospitals yearly. It can affect anyone, but adults who meet the following criteria have the highest risk for severe RSV illness:

Have chronic heart or lung disease
Have a weakened immune system
Are 75 years or older
Have a severe case of obesity or diabetes

RSV vaccination can help minimize seniors' risk of developing RSV-caused lower respiratory tract disease. Older adults can typically get this shot with other flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

A pneumococcal vaccine is a shot designed to help prevent or minimize the risk of acquiring pneumococcal disease.

Unlike flu and COVID-19, pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as "pneumococcus") is the name of the bacteria that cause this illness.

Pneumococcus can cause minor health problems, like ear and sinus infections. However, it can also lead to severe conditions, such as:

Pneumonia (an inflammation of the air sacs or "alveoli" in the lungs)
Sepsis (an infection of the bloodstream)
Meningitis (an inflammation and infection of the meninges, the protective covering or membranes around the brain and spinal cord)

Older adults face elevated risks of acquiring pneumococcal disease and experiencing complications from this illness. Fortunately, seniors can lower their odds by getting a pneumococcal vaccine, which can combat Streptococcus pneumoniae and its adverse health effects. Adult vaccines against pneumococcus include conjugate vaccines and polysaccharide vaccines.

Tdap or Td Vaccine

Vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (collectively known as "Tdap") are also available and recommended for seniors. Older adults can get the Tdap vaccine as a booster shot to increase their protection against these three bacterial illnesses. It's a three-in-one shot, while the Td vaccine is two-in-one (protects against tetanus and diphtheria).

What Is Tetanus?

Tetanus is an infection caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium often present in soil, dust, and animal feces. It can cause muscle rigidity and spasms.

In addition to vaccination, older adults should wear protective gear (such as gloves) when engaging in activities like gardening. Wearing gloves when cleaning up after animals should also be a top priority for seniors living with pets. Proper hand washing and showering can also help.

What Is Diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a potentially deadly bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system and, in some cases, the skin. The bacterium known as "Corynebacterium diphtheriae" is the culprit behind this disease. It can damage tissues and cause severe problems like heart and nerve damage.

Aside from Tdap vaccination, maintaining good personal and home hygiene can help prevent the spread of diphtheria.

Seniors who need assistance with personal hygiene and grooming (including showering and toileting) can rely on the compassionate care team at Discovery Village Stone Oak. Our team members are available 24/7 to extend a helping hand to the residents of our assisted living and memory care enclaves. We also keep our residents' homes clean and sanitary with our housekeeping and maintenance services.

What Is Pertussis?

Also referred to as "whooping cough" and "100-day cough," pertussis is an infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, a type of bacteria. At its early stages, it may feel like a common cold. As the disease progresses, a persistent cough with a characteristic high-pitched "whooping" sound develops and can last for weeks, even months.

The primary way to prevent pertussis is through the Tdap vaccine. However, everyone, including seniors, can further reduce the risk of acquiring this condition with good hygiene habits.

Get These Vaccines Recommended for Seniors

From flu to COVID-19 and Tdap shots, these are all vaccines recommended for seniors. They can help prevent infectious diseases or reduce their severity and complications.

At Discovery Village Stone Oak, our priority is to help residents age healthily, avoid infectious diseases, and live their golden years to the fullest. Through our attentive care and supportive services (from helping with personal hygiene to apartment cleaning), we aim to let them enjoy what our senior living community and San Antonio, TX, have to offer.

If that sounds like an excellent deal to you, call us today! Arrange a visit to our community, and be sure to browse our other blogs for more independent living, assisted living, and memory care health guidance and tips.