Vaccines like flu, RSV, Pneumococcal and Tdap not only protect the elderly; these also prevent the spread of contagious viral and bacterial infections.

While vaccinations are usually associated with babies and children, adults need them just as much. This is especially true for those who are already in their golden years as their immune systems naturally weaken over time. That’s where vaccines come in to support their health.

“Vaccines were created to help you build resistance against illnesses that could land you in the hospital, render you disabled, or threaten your life,” says Ryan Raymond Y. Bautista, MD of top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “As we grow older, our immune system weakens, whether due to age or diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and HIV. Vaccinations not only protect us; they protect others too by preventing the spread of contagious viral and bacterial infections.”

MakatiMed recommends these five shots for those in their 50s and above.

Flu vaccine. While news of a fast spreading “super flu” at the beginning of the year had everyone scrambling to have themselves vaccinated, adults are encouraged to get their influenza shot annually, particularly between February and June, the months right before flu season, which in the Philippines happens from June to November. Constantly mutating viruses coupled with older adults’ declining immune system make the flu vaccine a necessity for seniors and the immunocompromised.

Marked by a high fever, chills, aching bones, a sore throat, and runny nose, influenza is transmitted through respiratory droplets (when one coughs, sneezes, or talks) and by touching contaminated surfaces then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. “Though you can expect to get better in about a week, the flu can progress to pneumonia, bronchitis, and the worsening of pre-existing conditions like asthma and heart disease,” reminds Dr. Bautista.

RSV vaccine. If respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is often mistaken for the common cold, that’s because they share similar symptoms—runny nose or nasal congestion and persistent cough. The difference lies in RSV’s two telltale signs: rapid or difficulty breathing (note how the chest pulls inward with every breath and how a patient finds comfort in sitting rather than lying down) and wheezing. Complications include pneumonia, asthma, and middle ear infections.

“The RSV vaccine is available locally through hospitals and private clinics,” reveals Dr. Bautista. “Because it’s not considered an annual vaccine, at-risk adults aged 50-74 years old and the elderly aged 75 and up can do with a single dose.”

Pneumococcal vaccine. Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria does not only cause pneumonia; it can lead to other fatal diseases like meningitis and sepsis. To protect yourself, get two types of pneumococcal vaccines: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (or PCVs, which include PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20) and Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (or PPSV23, which prevents you from getting 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria).

“The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 years old and above,” says Dr. Bautista. “I advise those who are immunocompromised to receive shots for these vaccines, and those aged 65 and up who are in relatively good health to get one dose of PVC20, or one dose of PCV15 followed by one dose of PPSV23.”

Shingles vaccine. The risk of getting shingles increases with age, but overcoming its trademark burning, pus-filled rashes on the torso or face doesn’t guarantee permanent immunity. Though rare, a second bout of shingles is possible.

“Given in two doses, the shingles vaccine protects you from the varicella-zoster virus by nearly 100 percent, and by about 85 percent four years after your shots,” explains Dr. Bautista. “In case you get shingles again despite the vaccines, expect to experience less severe symptoms.”

Tdap vaccine. Short for Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (or whooping cough), Tdap is a booster shot first administered to kids from ages 7 to 18, then every 10 years to adults.

All three are serious diseases. Tetanus, which affects the nervous system, comes from a bacteria found in soil, dirt, and animal manure. Once in the respiratory system, the bacteria of diphtheria make breathing and swallowing a challenge and destroy the heart, kidneys, and nerves. And the bacteria of pertussis triggers coughing that pose a serious health threat to the elderly.

“The Tdap vaccine can protect you against tetanus and diphtheria by 95 percent, and pertussis by 70 percent,” says Dr. Bautista. “Best of all, it is convenient. You do not need to have the shot annually, just every decade after one shot.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow MakatiMed’s social media pages for more health-related content and for the latest updates: https://www.makatimed.net.ph/social-media-pages/