HARRISBURG — With a combined flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster clinic in Bucks County as the backdrop, the Pennsylvania Departments of Aging and Health Tuesday stressed the importance of older adults getting their immunizations, particularly with the cold and flu season approaching and the ongoing threat of COVID-19 variants – including the highly transmissible Delta variant.
“We want to encourage all older Pennsylvanians to take advantage of vaccination options in their local community, including their health care provider, pharmacy or clinics, like this one at the Bristol Township Senior Center. It is an easy and convenient way for older adults to get both of these important vaccinations off of their to-do list,” said Secretary of Aging Robert Torres.
Torres further noted that a vaccine’s protection can decrease as seniors age, making them vulnerable to sickness and disease. He also emphasized the importance for older adults with chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart disease to stay up to date on their vaccinations and learn which are covered by their health care insurance.
Older adults are advised to get the following immunizations: COVID-19 vaccine; Influenza (flu) vaccine – one dose annually; Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine, or Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine – adults age 19 and older one dose with booster dose every 10 years; Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23 – adults age 65 and older; and Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccination – adults age 50 and older, two doses for those 60 and above.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults 65 and older who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should now receive a booster dose.
“During the fall season, we enter into another flu season coupled with battling the COVID-19 virus at the same time,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “Pennsylvanians, especially our older residents, are best protected if they receive the proper immunizations to keep them as healthy as possible against these potentially deadly viruses. Please reach out to your health care provider or seek support if you have further questions about these safe and effective vaccines.”
Any questions relating to healthcare concerns should be brought to the attention of an individual’s healthcare provider. However, there is support available for older Pennsylvanians to get their immunizations, to find a COVID-19 vaccine provider visit www.vaccines.gov.
