Our Immune System Weakens As We Age

 My Age Put Me At Greater Risk

This is from the Tri-Cities Seniors Action Society Newsletter, thanks to Ken for the information

“My wife and I recently retired and are looking forward to travelling and enjoying our leisure time. I heard the recommendations on the radio and TV to get vaccinated for influenza but I just never got around to it. Why should I? We both go to the gym regularly and are feeling fit. My wife got the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine that was recommended for those over 65—and she paid about $75 for it. I didn’t take the time to get the shot. One day, just before Christmas, I felt really lousy—very tired, with body aches, and sweating. I was in bed for about four days, didn’t have an appetite, and even had difficulty getting dressed in the morning. I started to have difficulty breathing so my wife called an ambulance and I was taken to the hospital. I was discharged from the hospital after four days—and then spent over a month recovering at home. I still am lacking energy and strength and balance. I am worried that I have had some long-lasting damage to my lungs.” Nick, 71 years old

Our body’s ability to fight infection decreases as we age because our immune system weakens over time. Adults over 50 have an increased susceptibility to infections, age-related diseases, cancer and an increased incidence of auto-immune disorders. More than 1 in 2 adults 50+ in Canada have a chronic condition putting them at higher risk of flu complications. (diabetes, asthma, heart disease, COPD, obesity, cancer, stroke, arthritis, depression, high blood pressure) Of the many people who are hospitalized by the flu each year, 70% of those are seniors and seniors account for 91% of flu-related deaths, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. 

How to Protect Yourself

The seasonal flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe flu infection and prevent hospitalizations and other serious complications. For seniors, the Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends the High Dose Quadrivalent Influenza vaccine over the standard dose vaccine for those 65+. (NOTE: This vaccine costs adults about $75 in BC although it is given free by most other provincial governments.)

Just to clarify to the many seniors who have, in fact, asked for the High Dose Quadrivalent vaccine in past years—there were many pharmacists who offered the free Fluad vaccine in spite of the senior asking for the High Dose Quadrivalent. If you received your Influenza vaccine for free, then you received the Fluad vaccine. Be sure to ask your pharmacist which vaccine is best for you considering your health conditions.