Staying Up-to-Date on Vaccinations Can Save Lives

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. It’s a reminder that you or an elder in your life may need to talk with their doctor and get up to date with their shots.

Immunizations Matter

Vaccinations protect us all from a wide range of serious and sometimes deadly diseases. Here are a few reasons why staying up-to-date on your immunizations is essential:

• Preventing Disease: Immunizations help prevent the spread of contagious diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough, flu, pneumonia, Covid-19 as well as painful diseases such as shingles. These diseases can have severe health consequences, particularly for children and the elderly.
• Community Immunity: When most people in a community are vaccinated, it creates a protective barrier that makes it harder for diseases to spread.
• Avoiding Complications: Vaccinations can prevent complications associated with diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious conditions. For seniors, immunizations can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.

Seniors and Vaccinations: It takes a Village

Helping elders in your life stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations is a meaningful way to support their health. Taking the time to talk with them about their vaccination needs, assist with making appointments, and offer transportation if needed. Your support can make a big difference in keeping them safe and healthy.

Chief-Medical Officer for Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) Dr. Jim Mittelberger, says, “We are proud to have achieved real success in immunizing our participants. Through our targeted programs and education, CEI has maintained high immunization rates. We are dedicated to ensuring that our community is well-protected against preventable diseases. Our staff and participants recognize the importance of vaccinations and the positive impact it can have on public health.”

As we age, our immune systems can weaken, making us more susceptible to infections. Key vaccines for older adults include the Influenza vaccine, the Pneumoccocal Vaccine, Shingles Vaccine, the Covid-19 vaccine, and Tdap Vaccine. Some of these vaccines need to be given annually or more often to be fully effect.

CEI’s Current Immunization Stats:

• 91% participants received at least 1 pneumococcal vaccination
• 83% participants vaccinated against the Influenza 
• 92% of current CEI participants are fully-vaccinated against COVID-19
• 82% participants vaccinated with at least 1 dose of the 2-dose Shingles series

In CEI’s PACE model, we have a whole team of caregivers from providers, and nurses to social workers, home care aides and drivers.  It takes everyone working together with elders and their families to make these rates of vaccination possible.

National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder of the critical role vaccines play in keeping us healthy. By staying up-to-date on your immunizations, you protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Stay informed, stay protected, and celebrate the power of immunization this August and beyond.