Vaccinations after 65 years

The immune system ages over the years, this is known as immunosenescence. This can cause our body to lose its ability to defend itself against certain infections. In this situation, vaccines for older people create “backup” immunity and increase their protection.

This 6 vaccines recommended for older people.

1. Flu vaccine

A vaccination campaign is carried out every year to prevent the most serious consequences of this infection, caused by the influenza virus. For this reason it is most famous.

Dr. Nieves Fernandez Letamendi, specialist in geriatrics at the Quironsalud Zaragoza Hospital, notes that flu vaccination is recommended from the age of 60, especially for people at high risk suffering from diseases such as:

• Diabetes, obesity or chronic kidney failureamong other chronic metabolic pathologies
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory system chronicles

Also, people who care for or usually live with an at-risk group They should get a flu shot as a preventative measure.

2. Vaccine against pneumococcus.

Current recommendation introduce a new pneumococcal vaccine paired VNC20, which only dose requiredwithout the need for different reminders than previous recommendations for vaccination with pneumococcal VNC13 or VNP23 vaccines.

In any case, the situation may be different in some autonomous communities that continue to use the VNC15+VNP23 scheme.

If you received any vaccination under the previous rules, the doctor advises to “check with your doctor whether you need a reminder or not and on what schedule.”

3. dTPa vaccine

With this vaccination we are protected against two infections and one disease caused by bacteria. diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanusrespectively.

Before administering the dTPa vaccine, several personal aspects need to be assessed, such as the person’s year of birth, what country they come from, and whether they have served in the military. Having this information, the doctor explains to us that “primary vaccination is assessed or not, and depending on this, the need for a full vaccination schedule or revaccination is determined.”

A booster dose of this vaccine is recommended almost entire population over 65 years of age.

4. Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.

After the pandemic, coronavirus remained one of the viruses responsible for typical winter illnesses such as influenza.

The general indication is carry out a full vaccination scheduleand this is usually 2 doses in almost all Covid vaccines and at least one more as a keepsake. If you have not taken anything, a 3-dose regimen may be recommended.

The doctor adds that “in case of immunosuppression or hospitalization, revaccination is recommended.”

5. Chickenpox vaccine.

VHZ vaccine protects against varicella zoster virusand is administered to certain risk groups over 18 years of age, especially those with weakened immune systems.

Recently, the Ministry of Health included the population over 65 years of age in the annual vaccination, starting with those over 80.

6. Other vaccines recommended for older people.

The need for vaccines against hepatitis A and Bagainst him Haemophilus influenzae infection type B (Hib) and against meningococcus.

Finally, we must insist that Vaccines are not just for minors.. In fact, they are necessary for older people. In this sense, the doctor assures that “infectious processes from which vaccines protect us are less tolerated in older age and have a greater risk of serious complications that can endanger our lives.”

That’s why, It is extremely important to keep your vaccination schedule up to date after age 65. and, if in doubt, go to a consultation where a specific case will be considered.