Both the flu and pneumonia are particularly dangerous for the elderly or others with compromised immune systems, yet many avoid getting annual vaccinations due to common misconceptions about the shots. Independence-4-Seniors is here to help debunk some of the common myths often associated with vaccines:
Myth: The flu vaccine will give me the flu.
Truth: Because the flu vaccine is made from a dead virus which is not capable of causing the disease, it is not possible to get the flu from the flu shot. The nasal spray vaccine, however, is a live but weakened virus and is not recommended for adults over 50.
Myth: I once took the flu vaccine and got the flu anyway. The vaccine must not work.
Truth: The flu vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing flu. It is possible for some people to still get influenza after taking the flu shot; however, these people usually get a milder case of the flu than they otherwise would get. The risk of hospitalization and death from complications of influenza is also greatly reduced.
Myth: My friend took the pneumonia shot and she got pneumonia anyway. I don’t think the pneumonia vaccine really works.
Truth: The pneumonia vaccine is not 100% effective in preventing pneumonia due to all causes. The pneumonia vaccine actually protects against infections caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumonia. The vaccine has been proven effective against blood-borne infections of S. pneumonia which occur frequently among persons 65 years and older. Pneumonia due to other infections, or due to aspiration, cannot be prevented with the so-called “pneumonia vaccine.” However, the vaccine is about 50% effective in preventing complications of pneumococcal pneumonia (such as blood and brain infections) and death.
Click for further facts about vaccinations for older adults.
Understanding how vaccines work can often help seniors feel more comfortable about taking a yearly flu and/or pneumonia shot. At Independence-4-Seniors, we can provide up-to-date information about vaccines that can protect your loved one from harmful viruses. Contact us today in the Chicago area for more information.