In fact, infections like viruses (including the flu!) can happen year-round, putting people over 50 at a particularly high risk not only of a bad case of something nasty but also of longer-term side effects. "If... these infections are acquired after 50 years old, the risk for complications such as pneumonia, hospitalizations, long COVID, heart problems and shingles-related nerve pain may be present in those not vaccinated," warns Dr. Luis Marcos, MD, an infectious disease expert with Stony Brook Medicine.
Give yourself a shot at doing the things you actually want to do this spring by making sure you have these vaccines this March if you're over 50.
?SIGN UP for Parade’s health newsletter with expert-approved tips, healthy eats, exercises, news & more to help you stay healthy & feel your best self?
Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
Dr. Yancey added that some individuals over 50 may need the MMR, chickenpox and zoster vaccines. The good news is that these vaccines are widely accessible at various locations near you.
Below, doctors shared a bit more about why you should roll up your sleeves for these vaccines in March if you're over 50 (and don't worry, we've taken into account that you might have gotten some of these vaccines already this season)!
"This protects against circulating flu strains that can cause severe respiratory illness," shares Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for Sleepopolis. "It is recommended annually for everyone [over 6 months], but especially adults over 50 and those with chronic conditions. High-dose or adjuvanted versions are typically preferred for adults 65 and older because they have a stronger immune response."
2. COVID-19
As we learned during the pandemic, COVID-19 can spread, even as the weather warms. That hasn't changed, but our access to vaccines has.
The RSV vaccine is a single dose that should provide lifelong protection. "It protects against respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause serious lower respiratory infections in older adults, particularly those with heart or lung disease," Dr. Dasgupta states.
4. Tdap or Td booster
If it's been a decade since you got this vaccination, it's time to re-up your immunity.
This one protects against shingles, and Dr. Yancey shares that everyone needs to get this vaccine, whether they had chickenpox as a child or not. She says the zoster vaccine can:
Prevent a shingles outbreakReduce the time and size of an outbreakPrevent the permanent pain that sometimes follows an episode of shingles6. Pneumococcal
The CDC recommends this vaccine for all adults aged 50 and older.
2 Other Vaccines To Make Sure You’re up to Date On
Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifelong immunity. That said, adults at low risk for measles, mumps and rubella who were born after 1957 have unknown vaccination status and should get this vaccine.
"With the numerous measles outbreaks currently going on in the U.S., it is important to be protected against this," Dr. Yancey stresses. "Mumps and rubella can be spread to children who have much more severe illness."
2. Varicella
Chickenpox was once a rite of passage in childhood. However, some of us were lucky not to experience it.
You may have gotten this vaccine previously. However, a blood test can let you know if you still have strong immunity.
There's a lot of information about vaccines out there right now, but not all of it is accurate.
Dr. Yancey says that "The American College of Physicians has some excellent vaccine resources."
Other Tips To Keep Your Immune System Healthy This March
Vaccines are a great way to give your immune system a fighting chance at warding off illnesses, especially of the most severe variety. So if you haven't gotten your seasonal vaccines or aren't up to date on some of the others mentioned above, this is a great time to get them.
While you're in your calendar, proactively get ahead for this coming fall, which will be here before you know it.
Up Next:
Related: The 3 Supplement Label Claims Doctors Are Begging You Not To Ignore
Sources:
Dr. Beth Oller, MD, a family physician Dr. Luis Marcos, MD, an infectious disease expert with Stony Brook MedicineDr. Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann Health SystemDr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for SleepopolisRSV. CDC.Measles Vaccination. CDC.Adult MMR Vaccination: What providers need to know. Wisconsin Department of Health Services.Varicella. CDC.Shingles Vaccination. CDC.Pneumococcal. CDC.Polio Vaccine Recommendations. CDC.Hence then, the article about what vaccines do you need in march if you re over 50 doctors explain was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( What Vaccines Do You Need in March if You’re Over 50? Doctors Explain )
Also on site :