Vaccines and Immunization

Geriatric Immunization

As we get older, our immune system tends to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. This is why, in addition to seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine and Td or Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), the adults 60 years or older should take Pneumococcal vaccines, which protect against pneumococcal disease, including infections in the lungs and bloodstream (also recommended for adults younger than 65 years who have certain chronic health conditions) and Zoster vaccine, which protects against shingles.

Geriatric immunization refers to the practice of vaccinating older adults to protect them from infectious diseases. As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making them more susceptible to infections and the complications that arise from them. Immunization is a crucial preventive measure to maintain health and wellness in the elderly population, reducing the burden of disease and improving quality of life.