INFLUENZA, often underestimated, can have devastating effects, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. However, the flu vaccine stands as a powerful shield against this viral threat, significantly reducing the risk of infection and its associated complications. Beyond personal protection, vaccination also fosters community immunity, creating a safer environment for everyone.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR OLDER PEOPLE TO HAVE THE FLU VACCINE
The immune system weakens with age, making individuals vulnerable to more frequent and more severe infectious illnesses.
Older adults struggle to recover from illnesses more than younger people do. INFLUENZA VACCINATION Influenza is a major cause of lower respiratory infection and hospitalisations in older adults
Nearly one in four older adults hospitalised with influenza experience functional decline
Flu complications can include pneumonia, heart attack or stroke, and worsening of existing diseases like diabetes or heart disease.
THE PNEUMONIA VACCINE
Pneumonia disproportionally affects individuals older than 65 years and those with underlying medical conditions, who often experience high rates of hospitalisations and mortality.
The suggested regime for pneumonia vaccine is to have a Prevenar vaccine first (available without script) and then a year later have a Pneumovax vaccine (requires a script from your Dr) You will then be covered for almost all strains lifelong.
