Immunization Awareness Month: Vaccine Tips for Older Adults

Most older adults are overdue for at least one critical vaccine. Are your elderly loved ones protected?

Immunization awareness month is a good time to make sure your loved one is not missing shots that keep them healthy. Many people in Aurora, CO, believe their loved ones are current on vaccines because they see a doctor each year, but schedules often change after age 60. At that age, a missed vaccine can lead to serious illness that can cause long hospital stays or a loss of independence.

These aging health tips will help you understand which vaccines matter most and how you can make sure your loved one stays protected.

The Core Vaccines Your Loved One May Need

As your loved one ages, their immune system weakens, which makes it harder to fight off infections. Because of this change, vaccines like the flu and pneumonia shots become an important way to prevent illnesses that can turn serious fast.

The flu shot is the first vaccine to check since older adults face higher risks each winter when the flu spreads quickly. Getting it every year lowers their chances of ending up in the hospital and helps them stay active through the colder months.

After the flu shot, the shingles vaccine deserves attention because shingles can bring weeks of pain and nerve issues that linger long after the rash fades. Most people only need two doses, and once finished, they're protected for years. From there, the pneumonia vaccine is key around age 65, as pneumonia can lead to long hospital stays and slow recovery times for seniors.

COVID-19 boosters are also important since new strains appear often and protection fades with time. Lastly, check on tetanus and whooping cough boosters. These vaccines are easy to forget but protect against infections that can still cause serious harm.

To make it easier to keep track of what is needed and when, use this simple vaccine checklist for seniors based on CDC guidance: 

• Flu shot: Once every year, and best before flu season starts in the fall.
• Shingles vaccine: Two doses for adults over 50 given two to six months apart.
• Pneumonia vaccine: One or two doses starting around age 65 based on doctor guidance
• COVID-19 booster: Usually one dose each year, but following the latest recommendations is advised.
• Tetanus and whooping cough booster (Tdap or Td): One dose every ten years.

How to Check and Catch Up 

Getting your loved one's vaccine records in order is the first step to knowing what they still need. Start by asking their doctor or local pharmacy for a vaccine review since most offices can pull records from state or clinic systems.

If their records are missing or incomplete, you can request past records from former providers. In the case records can't be found, a doctor can help decide whether a blood test or repeat doses make sense based on your loved one's health. 

Once you know which vaccines are due, try to schedule them in as few visits as possible. Many pharmacies and clinics can give multiple shots during the same appointment, saving time and limiting extra trips.

Be sure to ask about seasonal timing as well. Sometimes getting certain vaccines together can boost convenience without reducing how well they work. After you sort out the timing, you can move on to finding the best locations and options.

Where to Get Senior Vaccines in Colorado

You have several choices in Aurora for getting your loved one caught up on their vaccines, with many of them designed to make the process as easy as possible.

Large pharmacy chains like Walgreens and King Soopers offer walk-in appointments along with online scheduling, so you can plan around your own schedule. These pharmacies can give most of the common vaccines on-site, which means you can take care of everything without waiting for a doctor's appointment.

If your loved one prefers to see their primary doctor, most clinics in Aurora also provide the same vaccines and can review their records during a regular visit.

If your loved one lives in an independent or assisted living community, ask the staff if they host on-site vaccine clinics since many partner with local pharmacies during flu season and beyond. 

The Tri-County Health Department also offers low-cost vaccines by appointment for adults, which can be helpful if your loved one's insurance does not cover everything. Once you know where you plan to go, the next step is making sure the timing and coverage work so the process stays simple. 

How to Talk About Health Planning in Aurora When They Avoid Doctors

Bringing up vaccines can feel difficult if your parent avoids medical visits or gets anxious about shots. Starting the conversation gently often works better than telling them what to do. 

Begin by asking how they feel about getting vaccines instead of jumping to why they need them. Listening first helps you understand their worries, whether it's fear of needles, bad past experiences, or not wanting to sit in a waiting room. Once you know what bothers them most, you can focus on solutions rather than convincing.

If fear of long waits keeps them from going, let them know many pharmacies offer fast walk-in visits that only take a few minutes. When fear of pain is the issue, ask the provider about numbing sprays or smaller needles, which can make the process easier.

If they avoid doctors in general, consider mobile clinics, where the process feels less formal.

Making Preventive Care Easy During Immunization Awareness Month

Finding a community that helps your parent stay on top of their health can make the process much less stressful for both of you. St. Andrew's Village in Aurora offers on-site wellness services so your parent remains feeling their best.

Moreover, our community's central location near local hospitals and major roads makes it simple for you to visit while ensuring your parent is close to trusted care when needed. 

Immunization awareness month is the perfect time to connect with a community that makes preventive care part of daily life. Reach out to St. Andrew's Village to learn how we help your parent stay healthy and comfortable.