What Vaccines Are Right For Me

Older people over the age of 65 are in a higher risk group for COVID-19 complications due to underlying conditions and a weak immune system.
Studies have shown that receiving the COVID-19 vaccine lowers both the risk of contracting the disease and the risk of complications if you do contract it.

The vaccine takes two weeks to provide protection; therefore, it is imperative to receive vaccination at the frequency recommended by the Ministry of Health, in accordance with the most recent publications.

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Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common bacterium that may cause severe illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, bacteremia, and sepsis. These illnesses can lead to hospitalization and complications, which may be severe and even fatal.

Older adults over the age of 65, or people suffering from chronic diseases are at a higher risk of contracting these diseases; therefore, it is advisable to receive a Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine. This vaccine will protect you against various strains of the bacterium. Some of these strains are resistant to antibiotics; therefore, it is imperative that you get vaccinated.

The vaccine is recommended for older adults who meet one or more of the following conditions:

• Older people over the age of 65
• Individuals over the age of 18 who are at a higher risk of Pneumococcal infections and who have one or more of the following conditions:
  
  • Patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, acute cardiovascular disease, renal failure, chronic liver disease, etc.
  • Patients who have a weaker or compromised immune system, for instance, those without spleen or those receiving immunosuppressive treatments (steroids, chemotherapy, radiation, etc.)
  • Any other medical condition that raises the risk of Streptococcus infections, according to the estimation of a physician specializing in the field

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Herpes zoster is a viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It is the same virus that causes varicella (chicken pox) in children. The virus may remain dormant in the nerves of the skull or in the back and limbs after the infection has subsided. The virus can occasionally reactivate and target people over the age of 60 because a compromised immune system makes it easier for a dormant virus to reawaken.

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to herpes zoster. The most typical side effect is viral pain. This pain can last for weeks or even months after the rash has subsided. Occasionally, the pain does not respond to regular painkillers. Further complications may include brain injury, meningitis, pneumonia, and more.

The Herpes zoster vaccine is effective in preventing the illness and, mainly, in lowering the risk of complications.

Older adults over the age of 60 are advised to receive a vaccination (if there are no restrictions or conditions that prevent vaccination) even if they have previously had the disease, as there is a risk of the disease recurring.

A new, more effective vaccine for herpes zoster called Shingrix will be available in Israel starting in July 2023. Shingrix is given in two doses and can be administered to people with suppressed immune systems, unlike the previous vaccine. The vaccine is recommended for people over the age of 50, but the national health basket only covers it for those over the age of 65 who are considered to be at elevated risk.

Tetanus is a bacterium that is found in the soil and may enter the human body through cuts or wounds. This bacterial infection produces a toxin secretion that severely damages the nerve system. The main complication of this infection is that it can cause the jaw muscles to lock, which can make it difficult to open the mouth or swallow. In severe cases, this can also prevent breathing.

People who have had tetanus infections are those who have not been vaccinated for the disease or have not received a booster dose in the past 10 years.

The vaccine is normally given in combination with a vaccine for diphtheria. Diphtheria is an illness that causes an infection of the pharynx (throat) and can lead to respiratory difficulties, severe complications, and even death.

It is recommended to receive the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine once every ten years (a booster dose). If you have been wounded or bitten by an animal, it is advisable to get vaccinated even if only five years have elapsed since the previous dose.

The tetanus-diphtheria vaccine is highly effective and provides 100% protection against these infections.

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