Vaccinations play a critical role in disease prevention in the United States. Childhood shots for common ailments raised life expectancy and decreased infant mortality throughout the 20th century. While children have been the focus of vaccination programs, Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that elderly individuals who ignore their senior vaccination needs put themselves in danger. Neighborly Home Care, a provider of elderly care service in Delaware County, wants to ensure that seniors have access to the healthcare treatments they need.
Why Prevention?
The cheapest and most effective way to treat a disease is to prevent the patient from becoming ill in the first place. The CDC recognizes the need for preventive services for seniors, claiming seniors who have access to preventive services stay healthier and more active than seniors who go without care. Vaccines are widely regarded as a powerful first line of defense against many common ailments.
Which Senior Vaccinations are Indicated?
The CDC notes seniors have fallen behind on four vaccines.
Flu:
Though more than 60 percent of seniors receive a flu vaccine, the number is still far too low for comfort. Neighborly Home Care’s elderly care service in Delaware County can take seniors to receive free flu shots at clinics or offices in the area at the beginning of flu season.
Pneumonia:
About 60 percent of seniors get a pneumonia vaccine each year, but the government hopes to see that rate increase to 90 percent by 2020. Pneumonia can cause deadly health complications in seniors, because their weakened immune systems are unable to fight the disease effectively.
Tetanus:
Only half of seniors have a tetanus vaccine, even though seniors are at high risk for a tetanus infection. Seniors often have skin that is easily broken, allowing tetanus to enter the body and poison the senior. The condition is even more problematic without proper elderly care in Delaware County. Families with elderly loved ones should check-in on seniors or arrange assistance for those who care unable to fully care for themselves.
Shingles:
Chickenpox is widely considered a childhood disease, but even after a child overcomes the illness, the virus remains in the body. Over time the virus can become active again, causing painful shingles. Unfortunately, only about a quarter of the elderly have received senior vaccinations for shingles.
Trust Neighborly Home Care
Neighborly Home Care offers elderly care services in Delaware County that assist with the stress and struggle of your elderly loved one’s healthcare needs. Errand services allow your senior loved ones to be picked up from their home, and be delivered to their doctor’s appointment or pharmacy. This service makes senior vaccination more accessible. The vehicles are equipped for easy entry and exit for seniors with health issues, so your loved one has a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Contact Neighborly Home Care to learn more about services and options.