While a great diet and exercise routine are excellent ways to improve your health—and sick happens—another critical step to protect your health is ensuring you're up to date on vaccines, especially if you are over 50. Wait, aren't vaccines more of a "kid thing?" Nope.
"While young children are especially vulnerable to infection and benefit greatly from vaccines, as we get older, the health risks increase, and so does the value of vaccines," shares Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
Related: How Effective Is the Flu Shot This Year?
"As the country enters into its coldest months, we tend to spend more time indoors with others," Dr. Donelan says. "This enhances transmission of many different respiratory viruses and some bacteria between people."
"This is a great time to get your flu shot, RSV vaccine and COVID booster if you haven't already this season," Dr. Yancey says. "We are in the middle of cold and flu season with lots of cases being seen in hospitals around the country."
"The seasonal viral vaccines are very important in people over 50," Dr. Yancey says. "The flu shot, RSV vaccine and COVID booster can keep you out of the hospital and are lifesaving in some cases."
As for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, they are not a one-shot deal. So, even if you got your vaccines last year, you'll want to ensure you get the latest and greatest.
When Should You Get Vaccinated for Flu and COVID-19?
The CDC recommends getting your flu shot in September or October. Dr. Donelan says that's because it's not easy to predict the onset of flu season, hence the recommendation. However, she and Dr. Yancey agree that January is not too late to get your flu shot.
In fact, Dr. Donelan says you'll still have excellent protection as the flu virus continues to spread.
Related: The #1 Surprising Mistake People Over 50 Make Before Their Annual Vaccines
Drs. Yancey and Cutler also recommend staying current on tDAP vaccinations. This vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (Whooping cough). The CDC recommends adults get a new TDap vaccine every 10 years.
4. Travel-specific vaccines
If you're traveling overseas, Dr. Donelan advises people to discuss vaccination needs with their doctors.
In fact, ultimately, the "must-get" vaccine this January depends on various factors. These include:
What prior vaccines you have receivedWhat personal health risk factors you have What vaccine-preventable diseases you are at risk for currentlyRelated: Here's What Happens When You Don't Get Some Vaccines Every Year, According to Infectious Disease Experts
Related: Can You Get Your COVID Booster and Flu Shot At the Same Time? Here's What Doctors Say
Sources:
Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health CenterDr. Susan Donelan, MD, the medical director of healthcare epidemiology at Stony Brook MedicineDr. Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann
Shingles vaccination. CDC.
CDC Updates Vaccine Recommendations. CDC.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Doctors Are Begging People Over 50 To Get This Vaccine Before January Ends )
Also on site :