Immunization Awareness
Grane Hospice
For more information about the author, click to view their website: Grane Hospice Care
Nov 07, 2024
Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area
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The Importance of Vaccinations for Frail Adults
As a trusted home health partner, we understand the critical
role that vaccinations play in safeguarding the health of frail adults. During
National Immunization Awareness Month this August, we emphasize the importance
of immunizations in preventing severe illnesses and complications, particularly
among vulnerable populations.
The Role of Vaccinations in Frail Adults
Vaccinations are a cornerstone of preventive healthcare,
particularly for frail adults who are at a higher risk of complications from
infectious diseases. Immunizations help to:
- Prevent
Disease: Vaccines prevent diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and
shingles, which can be particularly severe in older and frail adults.
- Reduce
Hospitalizations: Immunizations reduce the incidence of hospitalizations
due to vaccine-preventable diseases, decreasing the burden on healthcare
systems and improving patient outcomes.
- Enhance
Quality of Life: By preventing disease, vaccines help maintain the quality
of life for frail adults, allowing them to remain more independent and
active.
- Community
Immunity: Vaccinating frail adults contributes to herd immunity,
protecting those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical
conditions.
Key Statistics on the Impact of Vaccinations
- Influenza:
Each year, influenza vaccination prevents an estimated 3.2 million medical
visits and 79,000 hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020).
- Pneumococcal
Disease: Vaccination against pneumococcal disease has been shown to reduce
the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease by 60-70% in older adults
(Jackson et al., 2003).
- Shingles:
The shingles vaccine reduces the incidence of shingles by 51% and
postherpetic neuralgia by 67% in adults aged 60 years and older (Oxman et
al., 2005).
Our Commitment to Vaccine Education and Reminders
As your partner in home health care, we are committed to
working collaboratively with you to ensure that your patients are well-informed
about the importance of vaccinations. Our services include:
- Educational
Outreach: Providing patients with information on the benefits of vaccines
and addressing any concerns or misconceptions they may have.
- Personalized
Vaccine Schedules: Assisting in the creation of personalized vaccine
schedules tailored to each patient’s health status and medical history.
- Timely
Reminders: Sending reminders for upcoming vaccinations to ensure patients
receive their immunizations on schedule.
- Coordination
with Healthcare Providers: Collaborating with healthcare providers to
ensure seamless vaccine administration and follow-up care.
By partnering with us, you can enhance your patients’ health
and wellbeing through comprehensive vaccination education and support.
Together, we can make a significant impact in preventing disease and improving
health outcomes for frail adults.
For more information on how we can support your patients’
immunization needs, please contact us.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020).
Estimated influenza illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths in
the United States — 2019–2020 influenza season. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/2019-2020.html
Jackson, L. A., Neuzil, K. M., Yu, O., Benson, P., Barlow,
W. E., Adams, A. L., … & Thompson, R. S. (2003). Effectiveness of
pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in older adults. New England Journal of
Medicine, 348(18), 1747-1755. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa022678
Oxman, M. N., Levin, M. J., Johnson, G. R., Schmader, K. E., Straus, S. E., Gelb, L. D., … & Shingles Prevention Study Group. (2005). A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(22), 2271-2284. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa051016
- To view the original version of this article visit granehomehealthandhospice.com/immunization-awareness/
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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