National Immunization Awareness Month is recognized annually, during the month of August to remind communities across our nation the importance of becoming immunized while educating on national vaccination guidelines and schedules.
The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), one of our nation’s public health agencies, hosts extensive information and recommendations for every vaccination available, from newborns to seniors, in hopes of better keeping our fellow Americans healthy and safe from disease. Though in contrast, tens of thousands of Americans needlessly suffer, are hospitalized, and even die as a result of illnesses that could have been prevented, if only vaccinations had been administered.
With COVID-19 vaccines being given across our nation (and all over the world), like many before this pandemic, vaccines have been responsible for the control of infectious disease which were once common in this country. Vaccines have reduced, and in many cases, eliminated disease that routinely killed or harmed thousands of infants, children, adults, and seniors. While most American adults believe immunizations are important, a recent survey showed most are not aware they need continued vaccines throughout their lives to protect against many chronic illnesses. Those include the shingles virus, the same virus which causes chickenpox, whooping cough (pertussis), and even hepatitis, to name a few.
The CDC consistently communicates the importance of medical providers to evaluate patients on individual vaccination needs, encouragement of those vaccines while also providing resources explaining potential side effects. With that said, for the most part, vaccines don’t normally cause side effects, (sore arm or low-grade fever only) which goes away within a few days.
Vaccines are especially important for older adults, especially ages 65 and older. As we age, our immune systems weaken, thus, more difficult to fight off infections. If an ongoing health condition is present — like diabetes or heart disease — becoming vaccinated is especially important. Unfortunately, seniors are more likely to contract diseases like the flu, pneumonia, shingles while subsequently having complications which can lead to long-term illness, hospitalization, and even death.
Accordingly, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) states the most important vaccinations seniors should discuss with their healthcare provider includes the flu, pneumococcal to prevent pneumonia, shingles vaccine, and a tetanus-diptheria-pertussis vaccine (Tdap) and the COVID vaccine for those who have not already gotten one.
The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) has been providing COVID vaccines through our partnership with the Osceola County Health Department and Prescriptions Unlimited each Friday in our health clinic for patients and all Osceola County seniors receiving services from the Council. The OCOA will begin hosting flu vaccine offerings in September for influenza and pneumonia vaccines.
Vaccines will also be provided at the Barney E. Veal Center twice during flu season for seniors in our dining clubs and Adult Daycare Program. Our Housing Department will provide the influenza and pneumonia vaccines for our housing residents.
Unfortunately, Florida trails the national flu vaccination average of 63.8 percent among seniors ages 65 and over with an average flu vaccination rate of 58.3 percent. The greatest risk among those who are not vaccinated is developing pneumococcal pneumonia, a serious complication which can lead to death. The COVID-19 vaccination rate among Florida seniors is better, with nearly 85 percent of our elderly population receiving the vaccine. Nevertheless, a robust combination of flu, pneumonia and COVID-19 vaccines are strong protection against serious illness, possible hospitalization and even death.
According to HHS, Medicare Part B covers the flu, pneumococcal disease and the Hepatitis B vaccine if at an increased risk for Hepatitis B. Medicare will also cover vaccines needed after an injury (like the tetanus vaccine) or encountering a disease (like the rabies vaccine). Medicare Part D plans generally cover more vaccines than Part B; though depending on your Medicare Part D plan, one may have out-of-pocket costs.
As a reminder, maintaining high immunization rates across our country protects our communities by interrupting the transmission of disease-causing bacteria and/or viruses by reducing the risk of unimmunized people being exposed to disease-causing agents. Known as herd immunity the theory embodies the concept that protecting the majority with safe, effective vaccines also protects those who cannot be immunized for medical reasons. So, becoming vaccinated, not only helps you, but keeps your family, friends, and community healthy.
For more information on the CDC’s vaccination schedule, go to https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html, for more information on the OCOA Health Clinic vaccine offerings, call 407-483-0021.
