I appreciate this opportunity to share a simple yet lifesaving piece of health information with each of you. As we are getting more mature, we face a higher risk for infectious diseases, such as pneumonia, influenza, and tetanus. Some theorists on aging would say that this fact of life is due to declining function of major organ systems, and a decline in our defense mechanisms. Well, say what they will, the whole health arena of prevention has emphatically demonstrated that receiving the influenza vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine, and the tetanus booster will help us to live healthier lives, avoid the effects of these diseases, and even prevent death. Let me help convince you by sharing what is known about these three infectious diseases which target us.
Influenza is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all women 60 years of age and older receive the vaccine. Immunization should also be provided to adults and children who are at increased risk for influenza-related complications, or who may transmit influenza to individuals at increased risk, such as family or care members. The influenza vaccine is safe, effective and since 1993, paid for by Medicare. Pneumococcal infection causes 40,000 deaths annually. Those individuals who are older adults are particularly at risk of mortality from pneumococcal infections.