Vaccines: A Boost for Seniors' Health

Data shows that vaccines help protect seniors:

• Vaccination is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherapetic neuralgia in adults over 50 years old.

• Vaccination against the respiratory infection RSV reduces the riisk of being hospitalized by almost 70% in the year one gets the shot and nearly 60% over two years.

• Vaccination against the flu lowered the risk of flu-related intensive-care unit admissions by 26% and lowered the risk of flu-related death by 31% when compared to those who did not receive the flu vaccine.

New evidence reveals that there are additional, unanticipated (i.e., off-target) benefits for seniors who get vaccinations. Paula Span, KFF Health New writer, shared these finding in a recent post.

• The flu shot reduces cardiovascular risks and substantially lowers the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory infections. It also may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

• RSV vaccination may reduce the risk of cardiorespiratory hospitalizations (involving the heart and lungs).

• Vaccination against COVID has been linked to lowering the risk of developing long COVID and its damaging effect on physical and mental health.

• Some research has shown that vaccination against shinges (i.e., herpes zoster) may lower the rate of dementia. Some studies have shown a 24% decline in dementia rates.

• Some studies showed those vaccinated against pneumococcal disease had a 36% reduction in Alzheimer's disease.

For more information, read Ms. Span's article.