People over 50 years old have weakened immune systems, so they need to be vaccinated against certain diseases such as influenza and pneumococcal disease to reduce the risk of complications and death.
The human immune system begins to age at age 50 and declines sharply at age 80, according to Dr. Ardeshir Hashmi, Head of the Center for Geriatric Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic, USA. At that time, the risk of disease and complications increases, because the body is no longer able to fight off pathogens. One of the most effective ways to boost immunity at this age is vaccination. Below are the types of vaccines that people over 50 should pay attention to.
Pneumococcal vaccine
Pneumococcus causes four deadly diseases including pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media and sepsis (blood infection) and is the cause of rapid death in the elderly, especially those with underlying diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes...
Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults, the elderly, people with underlying diseases, and chronic diseases, with only one injection providing lifelong protection.
Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough vaccine
People over 50 years old and women often have low immunity to tetanus and diphtheria. Diphtheria can develop into pneumonia, heart failure, leading to death within 6-10 days. Tetanus can cause death with complications: pneumonia, laryngospasm, epilepsy, pulmonary embolism, severe kidney failure...
Combination vaccines against these two diseases, or vaccines against 3 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, are all highly effective. Adults in the family and those caring for young children should also be vaccinated to avoid transmitting whooping cough to young children.
People over 50 years old should be fully vaccinated because the body begins to age and immunity decreases. Photo: Freepik
Covid-19 Vaccine
Older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions, are at higher risk of becoming severely ill, even hospitalized, or dying from Covid-19. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people 50 years and older receive a Covid-19 vaccine and a booster shot at least four months after the last shot to maintain immunity.
Flu vaccine
Influenza is transmitted through the respiratory tract with symptoms of fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough. Usually, the disease is mild, but for young children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases or immunodeficiency, influenza can become more severe, causing dangerous complications such as pneumonia, cerebral edema, multiple organ damage, respiratory failure, kidney failure. Annual flu vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent influenza virus.
Chile (According to Huffpost )
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