In today’s fast moving world with invent of a new disease or infection every year; we
often come across words like vaccination or immunizations. These words are mostly
associated with infants or toddlers. Every child after birth is given a series of vaccines to
protect them against deadly and dangerous diseases. The trend is followed for certain years
of their lives. After this span; they develop immunity in their body to fight against those
diseases.
Just as immunity is low in case of infants and toddlers, same is the case with senior
citizens. With increasing number of their age; multiple complications like diabetes, blood
pressure, heart ailments, osteoporosis, etc. are visible and prevalent for them. Their
immunity also lowers with time span. Do they also require this immunization programme??
As the immune system of elderly go for a toss with increasing age; immunization becomes
important for them. In western countries, senior citizens are vaccinated against diseases like
flu, pneumonia, etc. under Government plans. Getting vaccinated can work wonders for
senior citizen, their family members and overall betterment of the society. We do not have
a national immunization concept for senior citizens in our country like infants and toddlers.
But Government & social media can help in spreading awareness about the same. During
regular visit to doctors; recommendation for vaccines can be done for elderly; depending
upon their health status. Few vaccines necessary for the elderly in our country are:
Influenza (FLU): Commonly known as flu in our country, can create havoc for elderly
and especially their respiratory track. The season for flu is at peak during winters, so
recommended time is month of October for this vaccine every year.
Pneumococcal Vaccine: According to a survey, every minute three people die of
pneumonia in world. Elderly are at a higher risk as it can even damage their lungs
and respiration system. This can in further lead to diseases like meningitis, etc.
Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a deadly disease; which can damage your liver. This vaccine
to be repeated for elderly in regular time frame.
Further there can be few other vaccines that can be added by your health checker as per
your body requirements. Senior citizens are to be protected from all such dangers and
be given a happy living.
Written By: Mrs. Ruchi Mehta
Health Blogger
