Pneumonia Vaccines for Seniors: What to Know in Cedar Rapids

In recent years, walking pneumonia has become a real issue in Iowa. Though it mostly affects young children, it can be a serious threat to seniors as well.

Why is this the case? Simple: seniors have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to medical complications. This is why pneumonia is a leading cause of death among the elderly.

Fortunately, today's vaccines are more effective than ever at preventing pneumonia. Read on for a short guide on pneumonia vaccines for seniors in Cedar Rapids and why you should get one as soon as possible!

What Is Pneumonia?

First things first: what is pneumonia? This is a type of lung infection that occurs when the air sacs in your lungs fill up with pus or bacteria.

There are different types of viruses and infections that can lead to pneumonia, including the flu. The cause of the infection, along with your age and health, can greatly affect how your body will handle it.

Some common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Chest pain when breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Tiredness
• Nausea

What Causes Seniors to Get Pneumonia?

Most people get pneumonia from someone close to them. This is why senior living communities put a priority on preventive care for seniors.

Seniors can also get pneumonia from extended stays in hospitals. Beyond housing a lot of germs, these environments have strains of pneumonia that are often more difficult to treat with antibiotics.

Older people should be particularly careful of pneumonia caused by fungi. This type primarily affects people who already have chronic health issues. Fungal pneumonia is caused by inhaling bird droppings or some types of fungi in the soil.

Risks of Pneumonia for Seniors

Since being elderly increases your risk of pneumonia, it also makes you more likely to get terminal pneumonia. Some key risks to watch out for include:

• Bacteria in the blood
• Lung abscesses
• Fluid buildup

Ongoing breathing issues can also be a major risk. Having chronic lung issues in combination with severe pneumonia can take a major toll on your breathing. In some cases, you may need to use a breathing machine while healing.

As a senior, these risks are serious enough that you should be proactive about decreasing them. Some aging wellness tips that will help you do that are:

• Eat healthy foods
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Limit cigarettes and alcohol
• Practice mindfulness
• Exercise regularly
• Get enough sleep

What Is the Pneumonia Vaccine?

Of course, the best way to protect yourself against pneumonia is to get vaccinated against it. The two adult vaccines for pneumonia are:

• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21)
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

The vaccines help your body make antibodies needed to destroy the bacteria. The antibodies will protect you and keep you from being infected. The vaccines don't have live viruses in them, so you can't get pneumonia from them.

Unlike the flu shot, a pneumonia vaccine is usually a single-dose shot that will last you for many years. It's worth noting that the flu and pneumonia shots can be taken at the same time, typically one in each arm.

Should You Get the Pneumonia Vaccine?

If you are 65 or older, you should get the pneumonia vaccine. This is particularly true if you smoke or have a long-term health problem, such as:

• HIV
• Cancer
• Asthma
• Kidney disease
• Sickle cell disease
• Cochlear implant
• Cerebral spinal fluid leak

Currently, vaccines will protect you against up to 23 strains of pneumonia bacteria. Even if you do get pneumonia, you won't get as sick as people who didn't get the vaccine. You'll also avoid many complications from pneumonia.

Which Pneumonia Vaccine Should You Get?

When it comes to senior immunizations in IA, there are a few guidelines to follow. For starters, if you've never received a PCV, you should get one of these vaccines:

• PCV15
• PCV20
• PCV21

If you receive PCV15, you should follow it up with a dose of PPSV23.

If you've already received an earlier PCV (like PCV13), talk to your vaccine provider. They'll explain your available options and help you decide whether you should get another pneumococcal vaccine or not.

Safety Concerns With Pneumonia Shots

The pneumonia vaccine is perfectly safe and prevents most pneumonia infections. That said, there are some situations where you shouldn't get it.

First, you shouldn't get the vaccine if you're allergic to it or have other serious allergies. Similarly, if you've had a bad reaction to any vaccine before, let your doctor know about it before getting the pneumonia shot.

If you have a fever and chills, you should wait until you feel a little better. If you're only mildly unwell, it's usually safe to get the vaccine. Some common side effects from the pneumonia shot include:

• Fever
• Swelling
• Soreness
• Loss of appetite
• Redness at the injection site
• Headache and muscle ache

Emergency Situations With Pneumonia Shots

Though pneumonia vaccines are safe, a very small percentage of seniors will have a reaction to them. This is called anaphylaxis, and some of its symptoms are:

• Breathing issues
• Losing consciousness
• Itchy or swollen throat
• Feeling sick or throwing up
• Wheezing

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you're experiencing it, you should immediately call an ambulance and get to a hospital. If you don't have breathing issues, it's best to lie down while you wait for the ambulance.

More on Pneumonia Vaccines for Seniors

Pneumonia vaccines for seniors are a key part of protecting your health. On top of lowering your risk of illness, they prevent life-threatening health complications. If you're unsure if you need this vaccine, talk to your doctor first.

At Prairie Hills at Cedar Rapids, we take our residents' health very seriously. In our assisted living community, we offer personalized assistance and comprehensive care to ensure you'll receive all the support you need to thrive!

Thinking of joining our Cedar Rapids community? If you're a military veteran, you may be eligible to receive 50% off the first month's rent each year! Contact us here to learn more about our community or schedule a tour of the premises!