Morgan Hill's position at the southern tip of Silicon Valley means it is often protected from wind and rain, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
However, the region cannot protect you and your family from other natural dangers, such as simple diseases. For this reason, National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), this coming August, is the perfect time to ensure that you look after the senior members of your family from things you can't see.
If you want practical vaccine guidance to help care for both yourself and your loved ones, read on. Learn how senior vaccines in Morgan Hill play a crucial role in promoting vaccine awareness in CA. If you're looking for healthy aging tips related to flu and pneumonia prevention, this article will be a key resource for your education.
August is perfectly positioned in the year as a time when you can seek out a vaccine to look after your body throughout the colder months of the year. While you may need more boosters moving forward, getting the appropriate healthcare at the start of the nationwide push ensures that your shot records are all up to date before winter viruses start to circulate. You can also enjoy the last few months of summer knowing that you are well-prepared for the rest of the year.
The truth is that Santa Clara County's Influenza page is already encouraging doctors to recommend the flu vaccine before the flu season starts. Preventive care for aging adults should begin as soon as possible to ensure that everyone receives the necessary protection for the remainder of the year.
Here in Loma Clara, we support the residents in our community who wish to protect themselves, as they also provide an extra layer of protection against one another. For every individual who has been vaccinated, it means they cannot then develop and transmit the disease to others. As such, every booster shot is not only normalized but also respected, as it helps support the vibrant and independent lifestyles that we foster in our community.
The month is even the perfect time to educate our residents on the benefits of these vaccinations and boosters, informing them of the latest developments in understanding what each shot entails and what they can expect to receive that season.
In 2025, we can expect to see a significant amount of news regarding the development of RSV vaccines. RSV is a common respiratory infection that has led to large-scale hospitalizations of patients. The aging population in our community means that we agree with the need for residents to be immunized against these illnesses, helping them avoid complications that could lead to hospital visits.
California pharmacies and clinics will be stocking up on every shot recommended by the CDC, including that for RSV. As such, it is the perfect time for a resident or their family to book an appointment.
Fortunately, Medicare and most private plans cover these doses when administered by an in-network provider. However, please verify the exact details with your insurance provider.
Also, be sure to keep a record of the vaccinations you receive so that you can discuss their specifics with those who may need to know, such as your primary healthcare provider.
This season, the updated COVID-19 strains will require additional boosters to help your body target the latest variants and prevent them from reproducing. At the same time, a new RSV shot, as discussed earlier, is ideal for seniors to ensure they receive protection from this potentially dangerous condition.
The effectiveness of the RSV vaccine is also well-documented, with an efficacy rate of approximately 75% in individuals aged 60 years or older, according to the JAMA Network.
They may be administered at the same time, depending on the specific site where you receive them. However, speak with your clinic to learn the specifics of what to expect when you arrive.
After receiving them, you should gain full immunity within around two weeks following the injection. As such, make sure to get them earlier to avoid the risk of becoming infected shortly after vaccination. Now is the best time to get them if you want the best chance of protection.
Following receiving the shot, you can expect a small amount of arm soreness. However, side effects are infrequent, and this mild discomfort is a small price to pay for the protection you receive.
Shingles may be a stereotype for seniors, but it is a real danger when left untreated. The vaccination significantly reduces the lingering nerve pain that individuals with shingles experience, helping to improve their quality of life.
The shingles injections are given in pairs, two months apart. If you or a loved one is likely to have trouble tracking this, ourAssisted Living team can help to record the date of the second dosevia a calendar, offering assistance when the date approaches.
The immunity provided by this injection will last many years. As such, if you have had one last year, you may not need another. However, speak with your healthcare provider, as there may be reasons for you to receive more in a shorter period.
The PCV20 vaccine helps to protect against a wide range of pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia. Much like the shingles booster, it previously came in two parts. However, as long as you are not allergic to the new version, it now only requires one visit if you have received the PPSV23 or PCV13 in previous years.
Doctors recommend the PCV20 to individuals with existing conditions, as pneumonia may exacerbate these conditions. So, talk with your healthcare provider to learn more about your specific needs.
Immunization Awareness Month is a key day that helps ensure communities remain safe from many of the dangers of illness they may face. Fortunately, the seasonal boosters you can receive can provide significant help in avoiding them. They can also easily fit into Loma Clara's social and personal calendars, helping you enjoy a vibrant life before and after your appointment.
At Loma Clara, we have a state-of-the-art fitness center. Book a tour and see how we support individuals in our community to maintain their health.