By Brian Etheridge, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making it more difficult for our bodies to fight off infections. For senior adults, staying current on essential vaccinations is a key step in protecting your health and maintaining your independence. With National Influenza Vaccination Week taking place December 7-13, now is the perfect time to talk about why vaccines, especially the flu shot, are so important for older adults.
The Importance of the Flu Vaccine
Influenza, or the flu, is much more than a bad cold. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized due to flu-related complications like pneumonia, and the majority of these are older adults. Seniors are at higher risk because the immune system’s response to infection becomes less robust with age. The flu can also worsen chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, which are more common as we get older.
The flu vaccine is safe, effective and updated every year to protect against the most common strains. Getting vaccinated can lower your risk of becoming seriously ill, reduce the chance of being hospitalized and help protect those around you, including loved ones with weaker immune systems.
Other Essential Vaccines
While the flu shot is critical, it’s important to talk with your health care provider about other recommended vaccines for seniors. These include:
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): RSV can be very serious for babies and for people over 50 with health problems.
- Pneumococcal: This vaccine protects you from bacteria that can cause problems like pneumonia, meningitis and ear infections.
- COVID-19: COVID-19 is a virus that can make people very sick, especially older adults, babies and people with health conditions.
- Tdap or Pertussis (whooping cough): Whooping cough is a sickness that makes you cough a lot. It is especially bad for babies, but anyone can get it.
- Shingles (Zoster): if you are 50 years or older you should get this vaccine. A second dose is needed two months to six months after the first dose.
Your doctor can help determine which vaccines you need based on your age, health history and any underlying conditions.
Taking the Next Step
National Influenza Vaccination Week is a reminder that it’s never too late in the season to get your flu shot. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, make an appointment with your health care provider or visit your local pharmacy. Vaccines are often covered by Medicare and most insurance plans, making them an easy and affordable way to safeguard your health. You can also get them at a local public health office.
Take charge of your health this winter—protect yourself and those you care about by staying current on all recommended vaccines. Learn more about staying healthy and fit at connect.bcbsnm.com.
If you have a health question that you would like to be considered in Ask a Health Care Professional, please email [email protected]. BCBSNM will select questions that may appear. Questions will not be personally answered. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of BCBSNM. This column is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.
