National Immunization Awareness Month: A Guide for Seniors in Asheboro

This August marks National Immunization Awareness Month, and here's something that might scare you: Not immunizing yourself properly could lead to death.

Your immune system changes with age, making you more vulnerable to diseases that barely affected you decades ago. Understanding which vaccines you need now can help you stay healthy and active in Asheboro's senior community.

Asheboro, NC, is located 70 miles from both Raleigh and Charlotte, which means seniors need reliable local healthcare and immunization services right here in town. Let's explore the vaccinations seniors need and why they're so important as you age.

Why Immunization Matters for Seniors

As we age, our immune system naturally weakens. Seniors, especially, can be vulnerable to diseases that they would have no problem fighting off in their youth.

Your Changing Immune System

When you turn 65, your body doesn't fight off infections the same way it did when you were younger. This natural process puts seniors at higher risk for serious complications from common illnesses. That's why aging immune support through vaccines becomes crucial for staying healthy.

Common Diseases That Vaccines Can Prevent

Several diseases affect older adults more severely than younger people. Senior vaccines in Asheboro, NC, protect against these main threats:

• Influenza
• Pneumonia
• Shingles
• COVID-19

Influenza sends thousands of seniors to the hospital each year. What might be a minor illness for younger adults can lead to serious complications in people over 65.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes more hospitalizations among seniors than almost any other vaccine-preventable disease. The pneumococcal vaccine significantly reduces this risk.

Shingles affects one in three people during their lifetime, with risk increasing after age 50. Getting your flu and shingles shots helps prevent this painful condition that can cause lasting nerve pain.

COVID-19 poses the highest risk of severe illness to older adults. Staying current with COVID-19 vaccines is one of the most important preventive care tips for seniors today.

How Your Vaccines Protect the Whole Community

When you get vaccinated, you're not just protecting yourself. You're also creating a shield around others who can't get vaccines due to medical conditions.

This community protection, called herd immunity, is especially important in senior communities where residents interact closely. Your decision to stay current with immunizations helps protect your neighbors, friends, and loved ones in Asheboro.

Core Vaccines for Seniors

Understanding which vaccines you need becomes more important as you age. Here's what you need to know about each vaccine to make informed decisions about your health.

Pneumococcal Vaccines: Your Defense Against Pneumonia

Three pneumococcal vaccines protect seniors from bacteria causing pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections:

• PCV20 (Prevnar 20) covers 20 bacterial strains with one shot
• PCV21 (Capvaxive) protects against 21 strains, including eight new ones
• PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) covers 15 strains but requires a follow-up PPSV23 shot

Your doctor will help choose the best option based on your health history.

Shingles Vaccine: Preventing Pain

CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix separated by two to six months for adults aged 50 and older. You need both doses for full protection, even if you've had shingles before or received the older Zostavax vaccine.

RSV Vaccine: New Protection

RSV vaccines protect against respiratory illness. Everyone ages 75 and older should get vaccinated. Adults ages 50-74 with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung problems should also get this single-shot vaccine.

Tetanus and Diphtheria: Lifelong Protection

Adults need boosters every ten years. Get one Tdap shot (includes whooping cough protection), then continue with Td boosters. Providers of senior vaccines in Asheboro, NC can help create a schedule that fits your needs.

Living an active life helps with your health, but getting vaccines on time increases your defenses against the worst diseases.

National Immunization Awareness Month and Vaccine Updates

The CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) released important vaccine updates in January 2025. These new guidelines affect millions of seniors across the country, including those seeking senior vaccines in Asheboro, NC. Paying attention to these guidelines allows us to plan ahead.

Age Lowered for Vaccines

The biggest news is that pneumococcal vaccines now start at age 50 instead of 65. This 15-year shift means more adults need protection against pneumonia earlier than before. If you're between 50 and 65, talk to your healthcare provider about getting this vaccine soon.

Adults 65 and older now need two COVID-19 shots each year, spaced six months apart. This change recognizes that older adults need extra protection against COVID-19. The second dose boosts your immunity when it starts to drop, providing better year-round protection.

Understanding Your Personal Risk

Not everyone needs the same vaccines at the same time. Your health conditions, medications, and lifestyle all affect which vaccines you need. People with diabetes, heart disease, or lung conditions may need additional vaccines or different timing for their shots.

Making Sense of the Changes

These updates might seem confusing, but they're based on new research from Murthy et. al. about aging immune support. Scientists found that starting certain vaccines earlier and giving boosters more often keeps seniors healthier. The best preventive care tips include staying informed about these changes.

When visiting your doctor about the 2025 schedule, remember to:

• Bring a list of current medications
• Note any chronic health conditions
• Ask about the timing for each vaccine
• Request a written vaccine schedule

Getting your flu and shingles shots remains just as important as these new recommendations. A good diet for wellness also helps and can boost your immune response. Immunization education seniors receive from their healthcare providers ensures they make the best decisions for their health.

With all these changes to vaccine schedules, the key is taking action. The best time to update your immunizations is now, before the busy fall season when respiratory illnesses typically surge in North Carolina.

Take Charge of Your Health This National Immunization Awareness Month

During National Immunization Awareness Month, remember that staying current with vaccines protects your health and independence. Unlike other communities that only provide basic care, TerraBella Asheboro's award-winning Dimensions Health & Wellness program addresses your complete well-being: supporting your physical, emotional, and social health.

The older we are, the more we need to pay attention to our health, but the less able we are to remember important appointments. Why manage vaccine schedules alone when you could have comprehensive support? Schedule your personal tour today to discover how TerraBella Asheboro makes preventive care simpler.