Morada Albuquerque is situated in the city of Albuquerque, NM, close to the historic Old Town, offering residents easy access to many of the city's amenities, including vaccination sites. This fact is beneficial for those in retirement age, for whom many different illnesses can strike them harder than younger groups, and for whom getting a shot can cut down on the risk of hospitalization.
However, what are the highest-rated vaccines recommended for seniors in New Mexico, and what do they entail? Below, we discuss senior vaccines in NM and how adult immunizations are a key part of maintaining one's health. Discover how to engage with preventive health when aging into seniority by consulting with your doctor about the best vaccinations to receive, and learn how Morada Albuquerque can support you with your boosters at the same time.
There are numerous vaccines recommended for seniors in the New Mexico area, but the reality is that one can only benefit from a limited number.
For this reason, it is beneficial to listen to government organizations, such as the CDC, which can provide information on these matters. For example, they have recently released details on how the flu vaccination is essential for those aged 65 and older, due to their higher risk of developing complications should they contract the flu, which seniors in Morada Albuquerque should take note of.
The CDC generally ranks the following as some of the most pressing vaccinations:
All of these are typically available through the city's pharmacies and clinics, although you may need to inquire about vaccines specifically designed for seniors.
For example, high-dose flu vaccines can be preferred by doctors because older immune systems may require a more potent dose to protect throughout the entire flu season.
At the same time, don't worry about booking multiple at the same time. Many can be "co-administered", meaning you can receive both vaccines simultaneously. Your doctor should have a good understanding of what these are and be able to guide you through the process effectively.
Adults, especially seniors, should receive the flu shot before Halloween to help build up the antibodies they need ahead of the peak flu season in winter.
Researching local New Mexico immunization programs can help, as you can then identify the best clinics in your region where you can receive the shot.
One of the most common options for this immunization is Fluzone. This shot contains four times the number of antigens compared to the standard flu shot, pushing your immune system to prepare for the long winter period.
While they cannot guard against every form of flu that might pass through a community, high-dose flu vaccines tend to reduce hospital visits related to the flu across a population. At the same time, you need not worry about significant side effects. For most people, the worst they will feel is a sore arm for a few days or a mild fever for around 48 hours.
The shingles shot is not a single injection. Instead, they are spaced out, with three to six months between each. The reason for using both is to increase the effectiveness of not only the initial measure but to push your body to create long-term protection.
Some common reactions include aching muscles and fatigue, so ensure you do not plan to engage in heavy activity for a couple of days after the injection.
PCV20 is a vaccine that protects against pneumonia-causing bacteria. In years past, it would have taken multiple doses of other vaccinations, but these days it tends to be a single shot instead.
The dose protects not only against a single threat, but also against 20 of the most common pneumococcal strains responsible for infections that cause pneumonia. They are a powerful tool to help seniors avoid the challenges that such an infection brings. So the vaccination tends to be extremely popular, as well as highly recommended by the CDC.
TDAP defends seniors from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. While these are extremely harmful to younger people, in seniors, they can lead to severe complications and even death. The CDC recommends that you get a booster every ten years, although more often if you receive a deep puncture wound that could cause you to become infected.
Speak to your healthcare provider to learn the latest date that you received this booster, as well as whether they recommend you receive a new one.
If you have recently received a flu or pneumonia vaccination, then don't worry about simultaneous shots. They will not interfere with one another, so look to see if you can get them at the same time to save on time.
If you are unsure about how to schedule an appointment, it may be wise to contact Morada Albuquerque's Assisted Living or Memory Care wellness teams. If you are having problems, they can help you record everything you need to do and get you on the right track.
If you worry that you might forget these events, you can also ask for help filling in your calendar. Our staff wants to help you through the entire process and will do what they can to remind you of your appointment.
Similarly, if you engage with our Vibrant Life service, your contact in our community will work with you to create a personal schedule that includes any appointments you need to attend. While we cannot guarantee that your appointment will not overlap with other activities you may want to do, we can work with you to create a schedule that maximizes your overall fulfillment for the month.
Morada Albuquerque supports residents who seek to ensure their health and the health of the broader community by encouraging them to receive the vaccines recommended for seniors. We also offer amenities like a fitness center and walking paths. To learn more about our senior living community, please get in touch with us today.
Our staff can offer you a tour, during which you can ask questions about our processes and learn how our wellness team ensures the safety and health of our residents.