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Although infectious diseases are no longer the most common causes of death, pneumonia and influenza remain among the top ten causes of death for older adults. In 2000, pneumonia and influenza were responsible for 3.3% or 58,557 deaths among people 65 years of age and older.  Because of the high rate of this risk, the Center for Disease Control recommends that older adults be vaccinated against these diseases, as well as some others.

When the body is exposed to a virus or bacteria, it remembers the experience.  The next time it is exposed to the same virus or bacteria, the immune system kicks in and seeks to eliminate it.  Immunizations introduce a small amount of the selected infection to the body.  This helps the body to recognize the infection and lessen the risk or even prevent the infection in the future.  Fighting infection becomes more difficult as the body ages, and so immunizations against the most important infections becomes a key factor in staying healthy.  

There are several vaccines recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for people aged 65 and over:

Seasonal Influenza:  Influenza, or the flu, is caused by a virus that affects the respiratory system.  It is impossible to vaccinate against all strains of flu, as there are many strains of flu circulating.    Each year scientists determine the most dominant strains in the southern hemisphere and recommend the 2-3 strains of flu that will be included in the vaccine.   The flu shot is effective in preventing the strains of flu that are included in the vaccine.   Although there is a chance that the strains chosen for inclusion do not coincide with those in the vaccine, the CDC still recommends that people over 50 years of age receive this immunization.  Typically, flu shots are given in the fall and winter of each year.  The costs are covered by Medicare B and some private insurance companies.

Pneumococcal Disease (pneumonia):  Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs, which is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.  The virus that causes this disease is already in most people’s noses and throats and is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is not known why it suddenly invades the body and causes disease.  Pneumonia is one of the most common causes of death in America from a disease that can be prevented by a vaccine.  The vaccine is very effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death; however, it is not guaranteed to prevent all symptoms in all people.  With this in mind, the CDC still recommends that all people aged 65 and over be vaccinated because of the potentially high death rate.  One dose of the vaccine should be given to people aged 65 and over.  Revaccination should be considered if the first dose was given before age 65 or if the person is in a high-risk group.  The vaccination is covered by Medicare B and some private insurance companies.

Shingles:  Shingles is a virus that affects the nerve endings and is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.  Symptoms of shingles involve tingling, itching, burning or shooting pain and can be very debilitating.  Shingles can also be a threat to eyesight if they are on the face.  About 1 in 5 people experience continuing pain even after the shingles are gone.  According to the CDC, about 1 million cases of shingles occur in the United States each year.   Because shingles are common in older adults, the CDC recommends that all people aged 60 and over receive this vaccine once in a lifetime.  Even if a person has had shingles or the chicken pox, he should still receive the vaccine, as reoccurrence is possible.  Medicare Part D covers the cost of this vaccine.

Swine Flu:  The swine flu vaccine is a new virus that appeared on the scene last season.  A virus that is passed from person to person and can have symptoms that are mild or very severe causes the swine flu.  Studies have shown that about one third of adults over 60 years of age have some immunity to the disease; so, this group is not included in the priority vaccination group.  Because of the risk for severe disease, however, people over 65 are a high priority for the vaccine if they become ill with the flu.  Medicare Part B covers the cost of this vaccine.

Always check with your physician to determine the best approach to your healthcare.