6 minute read
Give It a Shot
Next Article
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ADULT VACCINES
BY KIMBERLY BLAKER
When it comes to health, prevention is the best medicine. Many avoidable diseases can cause extensive damage to one's health, especially as we age or for those with underlying medical conditions or a weakened immune system. While many preventable illnesses are treatable, they can nonetheless result in lasting complications. So getting vaccinated against certain diseases is vital to prevent these illnesses from taking hold in our bodies.
We all know vaccinations are standard during childhood, but adults need immunizations, too. However, adults require different protections or may need booster shots to ensure the vaccines they received in the past remain effective.
HOW DO VACCINES WORK?
The goal of vaccines is to reduce your chance of contracting viruses and infections by developing immunity through your body's natural defense system. When bacteria or viruses enter the body, they reproduce and your immune system begins developing an antibody to attack the virus. Your immune system has various approaches to fight off this infection. For example, white blood cells can learn how to protect your body from particular germs that you've been vaccinated against.
Vaccines introduce a small amount of the particular virus or bacteria and introduce it into your system. The antibodies then learn how to fight off the germs in the event you encounter them in a larger quantity. For this reason, you may have a slight reaction to the vaccine, such as a fever, while your body works to fight it. Still, this is very minor compared to the complications of getting a preventable disease. There are many types of vaccines, and each can interact with your body differently. Some vaccines require multiple doses or a booster later on to rebuild your immunity levels.
Some individuals are unable to receive certain vaccines or have weakened immune systems that make them more vulnerable to infection. Herd immunity can protect these at-risk populations, including young children, older adults and individuals with certain health conditions. Herd immunity refers to a large percent of the population being immune to a disease, reducing the risk of the particular bacteria or virus from passing from person to person.
CDC VACCINE ASSESSMENT TOOL www2.cdc.gov/nip/adultimmsched
The CDC offers a vaccine assessment tool to help you determine which vaccines you may need based on your own personal factors such as age or health conditions. The best way to make sure you are up to date on immunizations is to discuss your medical history and vaccine needs with your doctor.
What Vaccines Do Older Adults Need?
The vaccines recommended in adulthood offer yearly protection, are suggested for specific health situations or are boosters to keep your childhood vaccinations working effectively. Every individual has different medical needs, but common adult immunization recommendations include:
1INFLUENZA – The flu shot is recommended yearly for everyone over the age of 6 months, especially those at higher risk due to a weakened immune system, medical conditions, or close contact with those at risk for the flu.
2TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, AND PERTUSSIS (TDAP) – The initial Tdap shot is currently given once, usually around the age of 11-12. Boosters are recommended every 10 years after that.
3MEASLES, MUMPS, RUBELLA (MMR) – If you were born before 1957, you are likely immune from MMR. If you were born after 1957 and don't have evidence of immunity, this vaccination is recommended. If you have a weakened immune system, it is not recommended.
4RECOMBINANT ZOSTER (RZV) –The Zoster vaccine is currently the preferred shot for shingles prevention for those 50 or older since risk and the likelihood of complications from shingles increase with age. The vaccine is given in two does, separated by 2 to 6 months. Even if you've had shingles, you can get it again, so the vaccine is still recommended.
5PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE (PPSV23) – This vaccine is for pneumococcal diseases like meningitis and bloodstream infections. It’s recommended for everyone 65 and older and for younger individuals with certain health conditions.
6PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE (PCV13) This immunization also works to prevent –pneumococcal disease and pneumonia for those with conditions that weaken their immune system.
DESIGN LIFE’s 2020 Holiday Card
Cover art reproduced from a painting by W a n d a W a l k e r
Wanda Walker, 78, is an accomplished artist and a long-time volunteer. She was also a dedicated caregiver for her husband Bill, who had service-related disabilities from his time in the Air Force during the Korean War. In 2005, she began bringing Bill to LIFE’s Adult Day Health where he made friends with other veterans and enjoyed a variety of activities. Wanda was grateful to have a safe, friendly place where Bill could get the care and socialization he needed while she worked. When she was asked about possibly teaching an art class for LIFE’s participants, she quickly volunteered, considering it a way to use her talents to bless others, just as she and Bill had been blessed by the Adult Day Health program. Although Bill has passed, Wanda continues to invest herself each week into LIFE’s participants, encouraging them to unveil their hidden talents and guiding them in creating beautiful pieces of art.
LIFE Senior Services’ Holiday Art Contest is designed to help LIFE find a unique image for its 2020 holiday card. For the first time the contest is being opened up to readers of the Vintage Newsmagazine!
LIFE is looking for winter or holiday-themed artwork to feature on its 2020 holiday card.
The winning artwork will be featured on LIFE Senior Services’ 2020 holiday card, and the artist will be acknowledged with a photograph and short bio inside of the card. The winner will receive a $50 Walmart gift card and printed holiday cards.
Submit your original paintings or drawings to
Attn: Holiday Card Contest LIFE Senior Services, 5950 E. 31st St. • Tulsa, OK 74135
Entry deadline is Monday, October 5.
The artist’s name and phone number should be printed on the back of each submission. All artwork will be returned to the artist in its original condition.
QUESTIONS? (918) 664-9000, ext. 1219 info@LIFEseniorservices.org
YOUR BEST CHANCE TO SAVE UP TO $5,000! * MOVE IN NOW TO LOCK IN THE BIGGEST SAVINGS!
Are you ready to experience the worry-free lifestyle you deserve? Country Club At Woodland Hills always has the safety, security, and well-being of our residents at the forefront of everything we do. For a limited time, save up to $5,000*! There’s no catch and zero surprises.
Call 918.710.2413 to Schedule Your Tour Today!
CCWH-Living.com 6333 S. 91st East Ave., Tulsa, OK 74133 Cottages | Active Independent Living | Residential Care *Save up to $5,000 special expires October 31, 2020. ©2020 Discovery Senior Living. All Rights Reserved. Prices, plans and programs are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Void where prohibited by law. Managed and Operated by Discovery Senior Living. CCWH-0144 9/20
Free Prescription Delivery
ORGANIZE YOUR MEDICATION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST
Simplify and organize your medications with prescription packaging. One package contains all the medication you need to take at any given time, automatically refilled at the same time each month per your request.
• Organized by date and time • Securely sealed
• Cleary labeled • Helpful to caregivers • Ideal for travel and everyday • Easy to open
NO PILL BOXES NO BOTTLES
NO BOTHER 444 S. Sheridan • (918) 835-9577
MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY
Caring for Tulsa’s Memories Since 1927
To find out more information, please call (918) 627-0220 to speak with one of our Family Service Counselors.
5111 S. Memorial Dr. • (918) 627-0220 memorialparktulsa.com
E Affordable Burial Spaces E Family Estates E Private Mausoleums
E Cremation Burial Gardens
E Columbarium Niches
E Permanent Memorial
Bronze Markers
E Upright Granite Monuments E Affordable Lawn-Level
Granite Markers
E Low Monthly Payments
