5 vaccines to get when you’re 50 and up

 

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

Why keeping up with vaccines even as an adult matters

 

MakatiMed underlines that a single person’s vaccines impact the health and well-being of the community.

The news of the death of 48-year-old Taiwanese star Barbie Hsu, fondly remembered by Filipinos as Sancai of the 2000s hit TV series Meteor Garden, not only shocked fans around the country but also served as a stark reminder of the potential complications that can arise from even seemingly mild illnesses like the flu.

Hsu’s tragic and untimely passing underscores the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations, even for healthy adults. As emphasized by Dr. Ryan Raymond Y. Bautista of MMC HealthHub from top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), even minor health issues like the flu or infections may significantly disrupt daily life. They may lead to lost income, increased expenses for medication or hospital confinement, or in some cases, serious health complications. Yet, most of these diseases can be prevented by keeping up with one’s vaccines.

“Even if the immune system of adults is fully developed compared to that of a baby or child, it still does not exempt them from contracting preventable and potentially fatal diseases,” says Dr. Bautista. “Vaccinations are a crucial preventive measure that can protect individuals from serious illnesses and their devastating consequences. Vaccines contain weakened or inactivated forms of bacteria or viruses, which will allow the body to recognize the disease-causing organism and produce antibodies to prevent full-blown infections and minimize complications in the future.”

With the flu season now in full swing in the Philippines, MakatiMed enumerates vital vaccines every adult should have:

Flu vaccine

A viral infection, influenza (or the flu), is marked by high fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, head and body aches, and vomiting. Of the three types of human flu—A, B, and C—it’s A and B that debilitate you with their severe symptoms. The flu can be fatal because it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Given annually, just before the start of nippy, sweater weather in January, flu vaccines in the Philippines include quadrivalent (which protects you from two types of influenza A and two types of Influenza B), adjuvanted (recommended for those 65 years and up), and jet injector (the variant given to those aged 18 to 64). “It takes about two weeks for your body to develop antibodies against the flu virus,” shares Dr.Bautista.“The vaccine protects you for a year.”

Pneumonia vaccine

Traced to the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumonia is the third leading cause of death across all ages in the Philippines. The disease can cause breathing difficulties, which can affect oxygen levels in the body.

“Adults—particularly senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems—are encouraged to avail of PVC13 (which protects you against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria) and PPSV23 (which protects you against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria),” says Dr. Bautista. “For patients over 60 years old and above, PCV13 is given as a single dose, followed by PPSV23 one year later. This series may provide lifetime protection. The latest versions of the vaccine, PCV15 and PCV20, no longer require supplementation with PPSV23. For individuals aged 18 to 64 with stronger immune systems, only PCV13 is recommended.

Tdap vaccine

Tdap protects against three bacterial infections: tetanus, also known as lockjaw as it causes painful muscle spasms especially in the neck and jaw; diphtheria, which can affect upper respiratory tract as well as the heart and the nerves; and pertussis, a contagious respiratory infection also known as whooping cough that can lead to disruptive bouts of coughing. All three infections can restrict breathing, which can be fatal.

“Adults are advised to get Tdap vaccine once if they haven’t received a shot before and get a booster every 10 years,” recommends Dr.Bautista. “It’s also given to pregnant women and for adults who are expected to be around newborns like grandparents and caregivers.”

Pain at the injection site, chills, and fever are common side effects of these three vaccines." These should subside within a few days," assures Dr. Bautista.

The temporary discomfort is certainly a small price to pay for the protection you’ll receive against these illnesses and their potential complications. Getting vaccinated not only benefits your own health and well- being, but also positively affects the health and well-being of your loved ones and community.,” says Dr. Bautista. “Make it a point to get vaccinated.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.