By Dr Julie Blaze of Bulli Medical Practice
Is your immune system working as well as it used to? As we age, our body's defence system naturally weakens, leaving us more vulnerable to infectious diseases and making vaccines less effective. This challenging combination makes staying up to date with immunisations especially important for seniors.
Here's what we recommend to keep you protected throughout the year:
Winter Protection
Influenza
Vaccination begins in April and is free for everyone over 65 under the National Immunisation Programme (NIH). Seniors receive Fluad Quad, which contains a special additive to boost effectiveness in older adults.
COVID-19
We continue to see cases regularly, with elderly people at higher risk. Free boosters are recommended every 12 months for those aged 65-74 and every six months for those 75+. Consider getting your booster before winter or travel.
Year-Round Protection
Pneumococcal
This vaccine protects against serious infections, including pneumonia. It's provided free for adults over 70 and is an essential part of senior health care.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV can cause severe respiratory illness in seniors. Vaccines are recommended for adults over 75 and should be considered for those 60-74 with chronic conditions. While not covered under the NIH, they're worth discussing with a GP.
Shingles
The risk of this condition increases with age. The NIH provides free Shingrix vaccination for those over 65, which is specifically formulated for older adults.
The immunisation schedule is complex, and we’ve only covered age-related recommendations in this article! Other factors, such as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background, may qualify you for additional free vaccines.
Talk to your GP about creating a personalised vaccination plan to keep you healthy this year and beyond.
About the writer
Dr Julie Blaze (BMed, FRACGP) is a GP at Bulli Medical Practice. Julie has a special interest in Chronic Disease Management, Travel Medicine, Women’s Health , Weight Management and Aged Care. Julie graduated from Newcastle University in 1986. She has worked as a GP at Bulli Medical Practice since 1999. Julie supervises medical students from the University of Wollongong and General Practice Registrars. Julie lectures registrars in Travel Medicine. In her spare time Julie enjoys family life, cooking, yoga, reading, exercising and travelling.