Vaccines for Seniors in Victoria East: What to Know for Healthy Aging

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), almost 93% of seniors have at least one chronic condition. Not only can these conditions cause discomfort, but they also often lower your immune system.

This can be a more serious issue than you realize. The immune system already becomes less effective as you get older, so you may be left almost defenseless against serious diseases.

The good news is that there are vaccines for seniors that you can get. These will protect you from the most important illnesses, and best of all is they're definitely accessible in Victoria, TX.

Read on to see what senior immunizations in Victoria, TX, you should get and when.

COVID-19 Vaccine

According to Our World in Data, there have been 36.2 million excess deaths due to the coronavirus. We stopped really tracking deaths in June 2024, so this means there have been even more fatalities due to this virus.

The strains have evolved to be less deadly now, but those with compromised immune systems are still at risk for serious symptoms, including seniors. This is especially true if you have chronic health conditions, like:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Obesity

It's recommended that older adults get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, which has been formulated in 2024-2025. It's designed to protect against the most recent circulating variants, resulting in stronger, more targeted immunity.

If you're older than 65, then you should get two doses that are spaced 4-6 months apart.

The side effects you may experience are mild, such as:

• Sore arm
• Fatigue chills
• Low-grade fever

These side effects shouldn't last more than three days.

Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The flu may seem like a normal illness to get every year, but in reality, it can be dangerous for seniors. The illness itself can be deadly already, as a weakened immune system makes flu complications more likely. In combination with other existing health issues, you'll be significantly more at risk.

If you live in close quarters with other older adults (such as in assisted living or independent living), then one of the best preventive health tips we can give you is to get your flu vaccine.

Older adults should get Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent or Fluad (adjuvanted). These are specifically formulated for seniors since they trigger a stronger immune response.

Every year, get one jab before the flu season peaks. The optimal time is September through October.

Side effects include:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Low fever
• Fatigue

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal disease can cause:

• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Bloodstream infections

These are often debilitating in older adults and can be fatal. So those who are older than 65 or have chronic health conditions (e.g., COPD, heart disease, diabetes) should get this vaccine.

Most seniors can get a one-time dose of PCV20; you won't need another later on. Another vaccine schedule option is PCV15 first, then PPSV23 one year later (or eight weeks later if you're immunocompromised).

Possible side effects are:

• Mild pain at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine

If you get a painful rash, then it may be shingles. This illness happens when the chickenpox virus reactivates.

Seniors are at a higher risk of getting shingles. And not only can you get a painful rash, but you may develop postherpetic neuralgia too. This is long-lasting nerve pain that can be debilitating.

Fortunately, the CDC says the Shingrix vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing shingles, as well as its complications. So it's essential that you get this vaccine. You should get two doses that are 2-6 months apart, even if you've had shingles or the older Zostavax vaccine.

The possible side effects here are:

• Fatigue
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Localized pain

Tdap/Td Booster

The Tdap vaccine includes tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), while the Td vaccine only includes the first two. Here are the reasons why you should be protected from all three.

Tetanus is a potentially deadly infection from bacteria found in soil. The other two still circulate and can cause severe illness, especially in older adults and infants, who may be exposed through grandparents. The pertussis part is particularly important if you spend lots of time with babies.

It's recommended that all adults get one dose of Tdap as a catch-up, and then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years. If you've never received Tdap as an adult, then you should get one dose now. You can then follow the every-10-year booster schedule.

Side effects you may experience include:

• Soreness
• Mild fever
• Tiredness

RSV Vaccine

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause symptoms similar to the flu. However, it can lead to the following in older adults:

• Pneumonia
• Hospitalization
• Death

The thing is that immunity wanes with age, and RSV is becoming increasingly recognized as a serious threat to seniors. So the RSV vaccine is one of the most important recommended vaccines for older adults.

There are two vaccines available: Arexvy (GSK) and Abrysvo (Pfizer). Both are single-dose vaccines with long-lasting protection. Ideally, you should get it during late summer or early fall, at the same time as your flu shot or COVID booster.

Side effects may include:

• Soreness at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache

Hepatitis B Vaccine

The Hepatitis B vaccine isn't necessary for every senior, but it can provide aging immune support. If you're over 60, you should get it if you have risk factors like:

• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney/liver disease
• Living in a long-term care community
• Multiple sexual partners or recent STI history

It's important to get this vaccine because Hepatitis B can cause serious liver damage, as well as cirrhosis and cancer.

The vaccines available are Engerix-B and Recombivax HB, which are one dose each. There's also the two-dose Heplisav-B, which is completed in one month.

There are only a few side effects; you may experience mild soreness or fatigue.

Get These Vaccines for Seniors

To ensure you're in good health, you should stay on schedule with these vaccines for seniors. Not only will they protect your health, but they'll also help keep you active and independent. With these healthy aging tools, you'll set yourself up for a bright future.

Get in touch with us now to hear more about senior living in Victoria, TX. Morada Victoria East has holiday celebrations and themed dinners for our residents.