Pneumonia Vaccines for Seniors: What to Know in Marion, OH

According to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, only around 26% of older adults above the age of 65 are up to date with the immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). One of these vaccine recommendations is the pneumococcal shot.

The pneumonia vaccine is administered in the form of an injection and protects against the pneumococcal disease among the aging population in Marion, OH.

Marion, Ohio, is known for its history and heritage. It also has delicious dining, great entertainment, shopping centers, and museums. Seniors living here enjoy the variety of exciting activities.

Let's discuss more about pneumonia vaccines for seniors and how they support long-term health.

What Is a Pneumonia Vaccine for Seniors?

Pneumonia is an illness caused by the pneumococcus or Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. This infection can affect people of all ages. It causes sinus and ear infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.

Seniors in Marion, OH, are at increased risk of contracting the pneumococcal disease and can get severely sick or even die.

There are various types of immunizations available to protect older adults from getting pneumonia. These shots are classified as polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines. Factors such as timing of the doses, risk level, and age determine who should get the flu and pneumonia shots.

PCV15 (conjugate) and PCV20 (conjugate) are recommended for seniors above 65 years.

PCV15

This pneumonia vaccine for seniors protects against 15 kinds of bacteria that are responsible for the pneumococcal disease. It's given to older adults who have never received any pneumonia shots before. However, if you have any allergic reaction to a PCV, you should avoid this vaccine.

Seniors with health conditions such as a cochlear implant, a cerebrospinal fluid leak, or an immunocompromising illness should receive the PCV15. After getting these vaccines, the doctor may administer the PPSV23(polysaccharide) at a later date.

PCV20

This vaccine, on the other hand, keeps you safe from 20 types of bacteria associated with pneumonia. It's known to provide a greater immune response compared to PCV15. Consult your healthcare provider and find out which vaccine recommendations are best for you.

Symptoms of Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumonia is a contagious disease that easily spreads from one person to another through contact. It affects your brain, blood, and lungs. Older adults in the assisted living community in Marion, OH, are at high risk of getting severe complications from pneumonia.

These seniors, especially those with chronic health problems such as HIV, lung disease, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, should get vaccinated to avoid serious illness. Some of the symptoms of pneumonia include the following:

Coughing up mucus
Difficulty breathing
Chest pains
Fever
Chills

Pneumonia can also occur after you've suffered from respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and the flu. Therefore, you must stay up to date with your flu and pneumonia shots.

Possible Side Effects of the Pneumococcal Vaccine

Just like other senior immunizations, OH, the pneumococcal vaccine has some side effects; however, not everyone gets them. Below are common side effects of the pneumonia shots:

Loss of appetite
Feeling tired
Fever
Chills
Headache
Irritability

Serious side effects of the vaccine, such as anaphylaxis, are not common and usually occur within minutes. Your medical provider should be able to assist you in case you experience any allergic reaction.

If you have a mild cold, you should go ahead and get the pneumonia vaccine. However, if you're severely sick, it's recommended that you wait until you get better before getting immunized.

The pneumonia vaccine is available at most drug stores and hospitals in Marion, OH. If you suspect you've already contracted the pneumococcal disease, visit the nearest healthcare centre immediately. For older adults in a senior living community in Marion, OH, inform your caregiver or the staff assigned to you for assisted living health.

Aging Wellness Tips to Prevent Pneumonia

In addition to the pneumococcal vaccines, there are other ways that seniors in DeWolfe Place Assisted Living Community can protect themselves from getting pneumonia. Some additional aging wellness tips to prevent pneumonia include the following:

Oral Hygiene

Older adults often experience a poor gag reflex as a result of aging. This causes bacteria to accumulate in the mouth, and coughing it up may be difficult for most seniors. The bacteria may move to the lungs and increase your risk of getting pneumonia.

If you have a hard time keeping up with your oral hygiene, the staff at DeWolfe Place Assisted Living is more than willing to help.

Wash Your Hands Regularly

Pneumonia is a contagious illness that can be transmitted from one individual to another through secretions. So, you must develop proper hand-washing habits.

Most residents of senior living communities in Marion, OH, are at great risk of contracting pneumonia. Washing your hands properly and religiously keeps you and your fellow seniors protected.

Manage Acid Reflux

Older adults may experience GERD or acid reflux, which causes acidic elements from the stomach to enter the esophagus and eventually into the lungs. This acid content may contain bacteria that affect the lungs and cause pneumonia.

For this reason, older adults should control their acid reflux to maintain lung health.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking causes mucus buildup in the lungs, triggers asthma, and irritates the lung tissues. Seniors with weak lungs as a result of smoking are likely to succumb to pneumonia. If you're not a smoker, stay away from people who do, as passive smoke can also affect your lungs.

Overall Healthy Habits

Essential aging wellness tips, such as staying active, eating healthy, and being social, can protect you from pneumonia. Many other illnesses can cause pneumococcal disease. Leading a healthy lifestyle keeps you safe from these illnesses and, in turn, protects you from pneumonia.

Ensure Long-Term Health By Getting the Pneumonia Vaccines for Seniors

Pneumonia is a bacterial disease that affects most older adults and can lead to death. The good news is that there are pneumonia vaccines for seniors that protect you from the disease and its health dangers. Consult your doctor to find out which immunization suits you.

At DeWolfe Place Assisted Living, we have coordinated with local health care providers to offer in-house personalized care to our residents. Our staff is available 24/7 to provide extra assistance to seniors, such as medication reminders, dressing, and bathing.