As flu season approaches, health campaigns remind people to “roll up their sleeves” and get vaccinated. For people over 50, this can mean several important vaccines, like the flu shot and shingles vaccine, are due around the same time. Parade explains that while age might feel like “just a number” when it comes to staying active, it’s a real factor in how older bodies respond to illness. Dr. Scott Roberts, an infectious disease expert at Yale, tells Parade that aging weakens the immune system, making vaccines more essential than ever for older adults.
One common mistake? Many people over 50 skip vaccines they qualify for. Parade shares insights from Dr. Yoshua Quinones, who says that most people assume the flu shot is all they need each year, missing other vaccines like those for shingles or pneumonia. Dr. David Cutler at Providence Saint John’s Health Center adds that vaccines like Tdap and RSV are often overlooked, though they’re recommended for many older adults. Parade notes that, according to experts, staying updated on these vaccines could protect against severe illness.
Parade explains several reasons why older adults skip vaccines. For one, many people miss annual checkups, where doctors would typically discuss which vaccines are needed. Dr. Quinones tells Parade that people sometimes worry more about side effects from vaccines than the diseases they prevent. As Dr. Cutler points out, this fear often stems from rare cases of side effects people hear about, even though vaccines have saved millions of lives.
Some people also believe myths about vaccines, as Parade highlights. Dr. Roberts, for example, mentions that people think getting sick after a flu shot means the vaccine didn’t work. However, he explains that other viruses are common in winter, so illness doesn’t necessarily mean the flu vaccine failed. Dr. Grant Fowler, from TCU, also debunks the myth that people with egg allergies can’t get the flu shot. According to the CDC, people with egg allergies can safely receive most flu vaccines, says Parade.
To help prevent missed vaccines, Parade suggests four easy tips:
- Use Reliable Sources: Look to resources like the CDC or talk with your doctor for accurate, up-to-date vaccine info.
- Set Reminders: Mark your calendar or set an annual reminder on your phone.
- Combine Appointments: If possible, get multiple vaccines on the same day to avoid missing any.
- Wait if You’re Sick: Dr. Fowler recommends not getting vaccinated if you have a fever, as it can be hard to tell if symptoms are from illness or the vaccine.
Parade emphasizes the importance of these simple strategies for people over 50 to help stay protected and avoid common vaccine mistakes.
Credit : Parade
https://parade.com/health/vaccine-mistakes-over-50-according-to-doctors?utm_source=pushly