Whether it’s the annual flu shot, latest COVID-19 booster, or milestone shots that cover pneumonia, shingles or tetanus, staying up to date on immunizations is just one way to protect your health.
“It’s worthwhile having that conversation with your primary care team because we might change depending on conditions that you have and potentially even the age at which you would receive that vaccine,” says Dr. Presutti.
Pneumonia can be life-threatening when fluid fills the lungs’ air sacs. In general, a vaccination is recommended for all adults 65 and older.
Shingles, a reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, can cause a painful, blistering rash. Vaccination is recommended in adults over 50.
Tetanus is caused by a bacterial infection, often from a cut or wound. The Tdap vaccine is recommended every 10 years and also protects against diphtheria and pertussis—the latter known as whooping cough.
“If you’re a new parent or a new grandparent, then you should be getting the pertussis update vaccine to decrease the risk of you actually communicating, or giving, pertussis to the newborn baby,” says Dr. Presutti.
Healthcare update for seniors
As of January 1, 2023, millions of seniors will save big on their health care costs thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Much of the coverage has been focused on reducing premium costs and empowering Medicare to negotiate drug prices, but two other key measures were also passed:
- The shingles vaccine will be free for seniors
- Medicare recipients will pay no more than $35 on insulin per month
These changes will be life-changing for many, particularly seniors, people of color, rural Americans, and people with disabilities.
- 63,910 South Carolina insulin users will directly benefit from the insulin cap.
- 865,658 of South Carolina’s seniors will be able to get their shingles vaccine free of cost.
With these new provisions, millions of Americans on fixed incomes will no longer have to choose between life-saving medical care and paying for essentials like food and housing. Learn more at protectourcare.org.
