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Vaccines that you need: CA NEWS
flu, pneumonia and more
SEPTEMBER 2017 SUNRAYS | 11
Submitted by Sandie Kienitz, member Sun City EMC

According to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), all persons age six
months and older should receive an annual flu
vaccination with rare exception. The flu vaccine
is most effective before flu season—in September
and October for example—and provides protection for six to
eight months. It takes two
weeks for the vaccine to take
effect, so avoid anyone who
has the flu during that time.
Flu symptoms include fever,
cough, sore throat, runny
or stuffy nose, body aches,
headache, chills and fatigue,
vomiting and diarrhea.

If you contract the flu, contact
your healthcare provider im-
mediately. Prescription antivi-
ral medications for treatments
are available and effective if
taken within 48 hours. Wash-
ing your hands regularly, and
avoiding large crowds and mass transit can reduce your risk of
getting sick.

There is a higher risk of flu complications for adults over 65.
Pneumonia is the most serious complication and can be fatal.

For people age 65 and older the CDC recommends:

– High-dose flu vaccine: Contains four times the amount of
antigen and gives older adults a stronger immune response
for more protection than standard flu vaccine.

– Do not take a flu vaccine if you have severe egg allergies,
severe allergic reactions to flu vaccines or if you’ve had
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

The CDC recommends all adults over age 65 receive two
pneumococcal vaccines:

– Pneumovax vaccine: once

– Prevnar-13: vaccine: once

Consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions
about flu and pneumonia vaccines or if you plan to travel abroad.

Other vaccines recommended by CDC for 65 and older:

– Tdap: tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine once.

– Td: tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years.

– Zoster (Shingles): once – even if you have already had shingles.

For travelers to countries outside the United States, the following
vaccines may be recommended or required by the CDC six weeks
before departure.

– Hepatitis A vaccine

– Hepatitis B vaccine

– Meningococcal vaccine

ONLINE: SCTEXAS.ORG