Vaccines for seniors

Our immune system become weaker as we age. It is less capable of mounting a response when exposed to new infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses. It is also less capable to developing an immune response when vaccines are given. Therefore, aging causes us to be at increased risk for developing infectious diseases. Weaker immune systems also result in higher rates of hospitalization and death from infectious diseases in the elderly. The flu, pneumonia and shingles are known to be particularly problematic in older individuals.

Acute respiratory illnesses, including the flu and pneumonia cause over 56,000 deaths each year in persons 65 years and older. This makes these illnesses the eighth leading cause of death in senior citizens. They are also a frequent cause for hospitalizations. The flu, pneumonia and shingles are the three most expensive vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States.

Influenza: In persons over age 65 years, the flu is responsible for over 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations each year. More than 90% of deaths due to the flu occur in this age group. Therefore the flu vaccine is recommended for all adults age 50 years and older. It is important to get the vaccine before the end of October so that it has enough time to be effective before the start of the flu season.

Because aging immune systems need stronger stimulation than those of young people in order to mount and adequate response, special vaccines have been developed for the elderly. Flublok has 3 times the amount of antigen (the material that stimulates the immune system) then standard vaccines. Fluzone contains 4 time the amount of antigen. Make sure and request a high potency vaccine when you get your flu shot.

Pneumonia: The pneumococcal bacteria causes pneumonia and other serious infections such as meningitis – an infection of the central nervous system. Death from this bacteria increases in persons over the age of 50 with most deaths occurring in persons over the age of 65 years. 1 in 20 older persons that gets pneumonia will die from it. Pneumococcal vaccine is up to 85% effective in preventing infection with this bacteria.

Two vaccines are recommended. Pneumovax and Prevnar. Pneumovax gives protection against 23 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria and Prevnar protects against 13 strains. Pneumovax is recommended for all adults beginning at age 19 years. A second dose should be given at or after age 65 years. The second dose should be given at least 5 years after the first dose. For example, if you received your first dose of Pneumovax at age 62 years, then the second dose should not be given until you are 67 years old.

Prevnar should be given 1 year after the pneumovax is administered. In immunocompromised individuals the doses may be given at a shorter interval so ask your provider about the timing that is best for you.

Ask you provider about other vaccinations that are recommended for older adults. For a complete list of recommended vaccines please go to https://www.vaccines.gov/who_and_when/adults/seniors.

Dr. Samuel Abbate is a local physician practicing in Wasilla at the Alaska Diabetes and Endocrinology Center.