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.
Documents & Resources
Access to Care
General Immunization Information for Adults
High Risk Medicines – Facts for Consumers
Immunizations Facts for Consumers
Medicine Safety – Facts for Consumers 508
External Resources
CDC’s Adult Immunization Schedule
CDC’s Adult Vaccination: An Important Step in Protecting Your Health
CDC’s Keeping Vaccination Records Up to Date
CDC’s Ten Reasons to Get Vaccinated
CDC’s Vaccination Travel Tips
Consumer Reports – The 4 Vaccines Older Adults Need
Immunize.org – Tips for Locating Old Immunization Records
Immunize.org – Vaccine Administration Record for Adults
National Council on Aging – Four Vaccines Covered by Medicare
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases – 10 Reasons To Be Vaccinated
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases – Real Stories, Real People
Vaccines.gov – US Department of Health & Human Services
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine
CDC – About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
CDC – About the Shingles Vaccine
CDC – What Everyone Should Know about Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)
CDC – What Everyone Should Know about Shingles Vaccine (Zostavax)
Immunize.org – Protect Yourself from Shingles…Get Vaccinated!
Shingles Q&A – Immunize.org
Shingles – Vaccines.gov
Vaccine Information You Need – Shingles
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
Pneumococcal Vaccine
American Lung Association – Pneumonia Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors
American Lung Association – Preventing Pneumonia
Atom Alliance – Pneumococcal Vaccines Q&A YouTube Video
CDC’s – Pneumonia Can Be Prevented – Vaccines Can Help
Immunize.org – Pneumococcal Vaccines/Ask the Experts
Immunize.org – Protect Yourself from Pneumococcal disease…get vaccinated!
Vaccines.gov – Pneumococcal Information
Vaccine Hesitancy and/or Cultural Beliefs
The History of Vaccines: Cultural Perspectives on Vaccination
Religious Views of Vaccination At-A-Glance
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Religion and Vaccines
Hilleman: A Perilous Quest to Save the World’s Children. (2016). [Documentary]
The History of Vaccines: History of the Anti-Vaccination Movement
Script Guidance for Vaccine Hesitant Patients
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.