Vaccinations for older adults: Staying Healthy in Aged Care
As we age, our immune system doesn't work as well as it used to, which makes it harder to fight off infections. This can mean that illnesses like the flu, pneumonia, or even shingles can cause more severe problems and take longer to recover from. Fortunately, vaccines can help protect us from these serious diseases. Some vaccines are recommended for everyone, while others are especially important for people with certain health conditions.
Our immune system naturally weakens as we get older, and this makes us more vulnerable to infections. People who have long-term conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease are at an even higher risk of serious illness if they get sick. Some treatments, such as chemotherapy or medications that weaken the immune system, can also increase the risk of infections. Getting vaccinated can help prevent these serious diseases and make it easier to stay healthy.
There are several vaccines recommended for people aged 65 and older. Some of these are free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP), while others may need to be paid for. It's also important to check your vaccination history to make sure you’ve had the right vaccines, as it can be hard to remember which ones you've had in the past.
Why it's important: The flu is a highly contagious virus that causes symptoms like fever, tiredness, body aches, headache, and cough. It can lead to serious complications, especially for older adults, like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. The flu vaccine helps protect against the most common strains of the flu that circulate each year.
Who should get it: It’s recommended for everyone aged 65 and older, and for anyone at higher risk of getting severe flu, such as those with heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease.
When to get it: Flu season typically peaks in Australia around August, so it's best to get vaccinated before then. Immunity from the vaccine develops in about 2 to 3 weeks.
Possible side effects: Some people may have mild soreness at the injection site or feel a little under the weather for a few days, but these side effects are usually mild and go away quickly. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.
Why it's important: The COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent severe illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19, especially for older adults or those with chronic health conditions.
Who should get it: People aged 70 and older, as well as those with certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, should get the vaccine. Make sure you complete your initial doses and any recommended booster shots.
Possible side effects: You might feel sore or have redness where the vaccine was given, and some people feel a little tired, have a mild headache, or get a low fever for a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare.
Why it's important: Shingles is a painful rash that can also cause long-term nerve pain. It is more common as we age, and the risk increases after 60. The shingles vaccine can help prevent this painful condition.
Who should get it: The shingles vaccine is recommended for everyone over 65, and for those aged 50 or older who have a higher risk.
Possible side effects: Most people experience mild soreness at the injection site. Very rarely, a rash similar to chickenpox may appear near the injection site.
Why it's important: Pneumococcal disease can cause serious infections like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening, especially for older adults. The vaccine helps protect against these infections.
Who should get it: It’s recommended for people aged 70 and older, or those with certain health conditions that put them at risk of pneumococcal disease.
Possible side effects: Mild soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or tiredness may occur, but serious reactions are rare.
Why it's important: RSV can cause serious breathing problems, especially in older adults. It can make conditions like chronic lung disease worse, and is more common in winter.
Who should get it: The vaccine is recommended for people aged 75 and older, but can also be considered for those aged 60 and older.
Possible side effects: Some people may experience mild pain or redness at the injection site. Rarely, you may feel a bit tired or have a low fever for a short time after receiving the vaccine.
Why it's important: Tetanus is a rare but serious disease that causes painful muscle spasms. Whooping cough (pertussis) can cause severe coughing spells and is dangerous for babies. The vaccine helps protect you and those around you.
Who should get it: Adults aged 50 and older should get a tetanus booster if they haven’t had one in the past 10 years. Those aged 65 and older should also consider a whooping cough booster (the dTpa vaccine), especially if they’re around babies.
Possible side effects: Mild pain or swelling at the injection site is common, and headaches or tiredness can also occur, but severe reactions are rare.
Residents of aged care facilities are at higher risk of getting and spreading infections, which is why it’s important to stay up to date with vaccines like the flu and COVID-19.
Sometimes, side effects from vaccines can be harder to notice in older adults, especially if there are memory issues or difficulty speaking about how they feel. If you notice any unusual changes after a vaccine, like confusion, loss of appetite, or trouble walking, it’s important to report them to a healthcare provider.
Vaccination is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from serious illnesses and improve your quality of life as you age. Staying up to date with the recommended vaccines can help reduce the risk of getting sick and ensure that you stay as healthy as possible.
Talk to your doctor or nurse about which vaccines are right for you, and make sure to keep an eye on your health after receiving any vaccine. If you feel unwell or notice any unusual symptoms, let someone know. By getting vaccinated, you’re taking an important step toward living a healthier, safer life.