Vaccination continues to one of the most important preventative health tools we have , particularly for our senior community. Staying up to date with recommended immunisations plays a vital role in protecting against serious illness and reducing the risk of complications as we get older.
As we age, our immune systems naturally become less robust, making us more susceptible to serious complications from common infections. Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of hospitalisation, long-term health impacts, and even death.
With the flu season approaching in winter, now is the perfect time to review your immunisations. In addition to the annual influenza vaccine, many older adults are recommended to have boosters for Covid-19, protection against pneumococcal disease, shingles (herpes zoster), tetanus, whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These infections can be more severe in later life, but the good news is that safe and effective vaccines are available.
COVID 19 VACCINATION
COVID-19 activity persists at high levels in our community. Regular COVID-19 Vaccinations (known as boosters) are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and dealth from COVID-19. They are especially important for anyone over the aged of 65 or older and people at high risk of severe COVID-19.
As with all vaccinations, people are encouraged to discuss the vaccine options available to them with their health practitioner.
- 75 years and older – Recommended every 6 months.
- 65-74 years – Recommended every 12 months. Can consider every 6 months.
- 18-64 years
- With severe immunocompromise:Recommended every 12 months. Can consider every 6 months.
- Without severe immunocompromise: Eligible for a dose every 12 months.
- 5-17 years
- With severe immunocompromise:Consider every 12 months.
- Without severe immunocompromise: Not recommended.
- Under 5 years – Not recommended.
Regular COVID_19 vaccination is recommended even in individuals who have had a past infection. There are no safety concerns for individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who may had had a recent COVID-19 infection.
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/booster-doses
INFLUENZA VACCINATION
Influenza is a viral infection that causes the sudden onset of fever, muscles aches and pain, headache, cough and fatigue. It is worse than the common cold, very contagious and can lead to more serious health problems especially in the elderly. The over 65 population have significantly higher rates of hospitalisation and death compared to younger people so they need extra protection against influenza. For this reason the influenza vaccine for the over 65’s has been ‘’enhanced’’ to offer better protection again the flu subtypes that specifically affect the older population. The government funded high dose ‘’Fluad’’ vaccines, covers the 3 post common circulating flu strains, and are only available at General Practices. Vaccine effectiveness can decline after 3 – 4 months so with peak flu season usually from July to September, the end of April and May are good times to get your vaccines.
ARE INFLUENZA VACCINES SAFE?
The influenza vaccine are safe but can cause mild side effects. This can range from a sore arm or some mild flu-like symptoms such as fevers and muscle aches. More severe reactions are rare. It is NOT possible to get the flu from the vaccine because it doesn’t contain any live influenza virus. However the flu vaccination doesn’t protect against other respiratory viruses circulating around the time of vaccination which is often mistaken for the flu.
PNEUMOCOCCAL VACCINATION
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that causes many illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and blood poisoning. It has a higher rate of complications, hospitalisation and premature death in the elderly. Vaccination against pneumococcus is recommended for the over 70’s and is government funded. Prevenar 13 is affective against the 13 of the most common strains of pneumococcal bacteria that causes disease in Australia. People with certain chronic illnesses that are under the age of 70, but have a higher risk of pneumococcal infection may also require a pneumococcal vaccination booster.
Side effects include a sore arm at the injection site for a few days, low grade fevers and tiredness.
SHINGLES (HERPES ZOSTER) VACCINE
Shingles or Herpes Zoster is a disease caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus. It causes a painful, blistering rash and even when the rash has gone it can cause severe burning pain (post-herpetic neuralgia) that can last for months or longer. 1 in 3 people will get shingles at some point in their lives but as we get older the risk of complications and post-herpetic neuralgia is higher.
The Shingrix vaccine is government funded for people aged over 65 yeears consist of 2 doses, 2 – 6 months apart. Aboriginal and Torrese strait islander over 50 years and immunocompromised people aged over 18 years with specific medical conditions are also eligible for government funded Shingrix vaccine. Those over the age of 50 can consider a private script.
Side effects after a shingles vaccination includes soreness, redness, itch and swelling at the injection site and low grade fevers, headache and muscle aches.
BOOSTER VACCINATIONS
As we get older we loose immunity to some of our childhood vaccinations and a booster dose is recommended.
A booster dose of tetanus/diptheria containing vaccine is recommended for adults > 50 years of age who have not received a tetanus containing vaccine in the previous 10 years. A booster dose is also required in the event of a tetanus prone injury if it has been more than 5 years since the last booster.
A booster dose of the pertussis (whooping cough vaccine) is also recommended for adults > 65 years who have not had a previous dose in the last 10 years and also for adults in close contact with children < 6months if it has been than 10 years since the last dose. The pertussis booster dose comes in combination with tetanus and diptheria (dTpa) so if you are due for a tetanus shot ask your doctor if you should be covered for pertussis as well. This vaccine however is not funded under the National Immunisation Program.
Please note that vaccination recommendations are always changing as more research and evidence emerges. Next time you have a check up with your doctor or practice nurse, have a chat to see if your vaccinations are up to date.Immunisation is not just about preventing illness — it’s about maintaining independence, protecting quality of life, and staying well to enjoy the years ahead.
RSV VACCINE
A RSV vaccine is available at cost if you are aged 60 years and over as you may be at higher risk of severe illness from RSV. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist to learn the cost, and whether these vaccines are recommended for you
https://yourfamilydoctors.com.au/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-immunisation/
RESOURCES
The latest news and information about Covid-19 vaccines in Australia – https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
Immunisation for Seniors – https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/immunisation-throughout-life/immunisation-for-seniors