August is National Immunization Awareness Month

ST. LOUIS: MediNurse, St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing care and health related services for more than three decades, reminds the public of the upcoming flu season and the importance of immunization.

Vaccines are particularly important for senior citizens. As we age, our immune systems weaken and it becomes increasingly difficult to fight off infections. You’re more susceptible to contract diseases like the flu, pneumonia, and shingles, and complications can be life-threatening. Getting vaccinated helps keep you, your family, and your community healthy. “Please be sure to get your flu shots this fall and make sure you are up to date on tetanus and pneumonia,” adds Mark H. Gregory, M.D., FACP, MediNurse Medical Director.

Flu season is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to get a flu shot. Last year’s flu season was one of the worst. In fact, the CDC considered it an epidemic and the worst season in a decade. The flu is just one of the many diseases senior citizens should be vaccinated for; the CDC and MediNurse recommend these vaccinations:

· Flu: you should get a flu vaccine every year.

· Tetanus: you should get one dose of Tdap vaccine if you did not get one as a child or adult. Furthermore, you should get a Tdap booster shot every ten years.

· Shingles: there are two types of the Shingles virus (RZF and ZVL). You should get two doses of RSV at age 50 years or older and one dose of ZVL at age 60 or older, even if you’ve had Shingles before.

· Pneumonia: there are two doses of the Pneumonia vaccine—you may need one or both depending on your age and health condition.

· Chickenpox: you should get a chickenpox vaccine if you did not get one as a child. This will not only prevent chickenpox but helps protect you from Shingles. Even though it’s a separate vaccine, Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

· Additional vaccines, if not vaccinated as a child: Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.

If you experience ongoing health conditions—such as diabetes or heart disease—getting vaccinated is especially important. Vaccines can protect you from serious diseases (and related complications), and keep you healthy as you age. Of course, it is best to consult your physician before getting any type of vaccine.

MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse provides services that are customized to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.