Our team is working diligently to reduce hospital visits, improve the health of older adults and spread the message on the importance of vaccinations. Approximately 42,000 adults die each year from vaccine preventable diseases (Healthy People 2020).

Vaccines are an important part of staying healthy. Many adults feel that they do not need vaccinations or worry about side effects from the vaccine. However, people age 65 and older are at higher risk of complications from the actual diseases. Those who are most vulnerable are those older adults who have chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma. It is especially important for these individuals to keep up with their vaccinations to avoid complications that come with getting the flu or pneumonia. Most persons, 65 years or older, should receive the following:

  • Annual influenza vaccination (flu)
  • T-dap vaccination, if not vaccinated with this vaccine previously, followed by tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years
  • One herpes zoster (shingles) at age 60 years or older
  • Two pneumococcal vaccines (pneumonia). These two vaccines cannot be given at the same time. It is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare professional to schedule both vaccines at the right time.
Take this quiz to find out what vaccines you might need.  Print the results from this quiz and talk with your doctor or a healthcare professional to determine what vaccines are recommended for you and which ones you might need.  You can also use Healthmap Vaccine Finder to search for locations that offer immunizations near you.

 

Adolescent and Adult Vaccine Quiz.

Documents & Resources

Great Plains Quality Care Coalition

Our Vision: Through collaboration and partnership, we aspire to make healthcare in the Dakotas the best in the nation. We have partnered with committed nursing homes, community leaders and healthcare organizations to improve the care in our communities. Better together.