If you are not taking care of yourself then you cannot take care of someone else. This refrain, while sensible, often does not hit home with caregivers until it is too late. While there are many ways caregivers may take care of themselves, one of the best way is through preventive vaccinations.
Pneumonia and the flu are a leading cause of death among older adults; however, these conditions may be prevented by receiving their respective vaccinations. The flu vaccination requires an injection once per year. The pneumonia vaccination requires a one-time injection. Medicare Part “B” provides for these two vaccinations: annually for the flu and once for pneumonia.
In addition to vaccinations for the flu and pneumonia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following vaccinations or boosters for adults:
- Tetanus/Diphtheria
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Hepatitis “A” and “B"
- Varicella (Chicken Pox)
- Meningitis
For more information, talk to your health provider or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccines & Immunization Program.
