Saturday 10 September 2016

Timely vaccination is recommended for disease-free healthy ageing

Timely vaccination is recommended for disease-free healthy ageing

Dr K K Aggarwal Vaccination is one of the ways by which we can maintain our health and longevity by simultaneously reducing the risk of contacting any degenerative and chronic diseases. New Delhi, September 09, 2016: The saying, you reap what you sow, fits the best in case of an individual’s health. We often don’t calculate the aftermath of the ignorance we show towards our health while we are young. As a result, we end up facing all the health-related consequences when we get old and have low immunity power and decreased resistance. And sometimes, we think taking necessary precautions and vaccinations once is enough. But akin to health, the effect of these vaccinations and precautions fades away as we grow old. Speaking on the issue, Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K.K. Aggarwal, President Elect IMA and President HCFI, “The ageing mechanism leads to a health deteriorating effect on the immune system of elders. This makes them comparatively more susceptible to basic preventable and manageable diseases when compared to the younger individuals. When coupled with existing lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular ailments, hypertension, diabetes, or obstructive pulmonary diseases, it runs the risk of becoming life threatening. Most commonly contracted diseases include flu, pneumonia and Hepatitis B. Given this scenario; it is essential that certain vaccinations be given to people post the age of 65. Children must ensure that their parents get these vaccines on time for a healthy and long life.“ Following points should be kept in mind when considering a vaccination course: • Annual influenza or flu vaccine is recommended for all elderly persons • Pneumonia vaccine should be given to all adults aged 65 years and older. • Tetanus Toxoid should be given to all irrespective of age after every ten years • A single dose of herpes zoster vaccine is recommended for adults aged 60 years and older regardless whether they have had a previous episode of herpes zoster. The vaccination begins at 60 years of age • Hepatitis B vaccine should be given to all if they have not been vaccinated earlier • All diabetics aged 60 years or older should be vaccinated for hepatitis B. This recommendation is based on increased need for associated blood glucose monitoring in long-term care facilities • All patients with chronic liver diseases should also be given the Hepatitis B vaccine Unfortunately, nearly 50 percent of the senior citizen population is still unaware of the benefits of vaccination and the consequences if not taken. These shots prove highly beneficial and protect thousands of people from getting afflicted by life-threatening diseases every year. Proper education and a little responsibility can reduce the health risk and chances of hospitalization in elders.

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