Immunizations important for adults, too N
ew parents can easily become overwhelmed by the number of pediatrician visits their children need. By the time a child celebrates his or her fifth birthday, he or she has seemingly been administered dozens of immunizations. But even though people get the majority of their vaccinations while they are very young, that does not necessarily mean they can’t still benefit from immunizations later in life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that humans never outgrow their need for vaccinations. Although certain vaccinations may no longer be necessary, others may be necessary into adulthood. Certain vaccinations, which can safeguard individuals from long-term illness, hospitalization and even death, are now recommended for all adults. The following are some of the immunizations you may need as you age. Influenza According to the CDC, roughly
226,000 people are hospitalized in the United States due to influenza, while thousands more die from the flu and its complications. Flu vaccines protect against various strains of the flu virus, and the vaccine is recommended for just about everyone between the ages of six months and older, including middle-aged adults. People age two and older are now advised to get the nasal mist version of the vaccination. However, adults age 50 and older should not get the mist. Individuals who are severely immunocompromised, not feeling well or those who have an allergy to eggs should speak to their doctors before getting a flu vaccination. Pneumococcal disease Pneumococcal disease is an illness caused by bacteria that can spread from the nose and throat to the ears or sinuses. If the bacteria spreads to other areas of the body, like the lungs, it can cause pneumonia. Pneumococcal disease also can cause meningitis if it affects the spinal column. Adults 65 and older need one dose of the
have medical conditions that weaken the immune system or those who take immunosuppressive drugs also may benefit from the shingles vaccine.
pneumococcal conjugate vaccine followed by the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Shingles Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Individuals who have had chickenpox are at risk for developing shingles later in life. The virus can cause a painful skin rash and blisters. Other symptoms include chills, pain, fever, and even loss of vision. Because shingles most often occurs in people age 50 and older, the shingles vaccine is recommended for those in this age bracket. People who
Pertussis (whooping cough) The CDC estimates that there are between one and three million pertussis cases in the United States each year. All adults between the ages of 19 and 64 need a one-time whooping cough booster vaccine, particularly if they will be in close contact with infants younger than 12 months. Adults are the most common source of pertussis infection in infants. Whooping cough for adults can last for several weeks or even months, causing unnecessary discomfort and leaving sufferers gasping for breath. HPV Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus spread mostly through sexual contact. Few may know they have the disease, as it rarely produces symptoms. However, certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, genital warts and cancers of the penis, anus and throat. New recommendations from the CDC released in early 2016 recommend that the HPV vaccine be given to children beginning at age 11, though the CDC also advises that children with a history of sexual abuse receive their first dose of the vaccine at age 9. Vaccinations are not just for kids. Adults should discuss their immunization records with their physicians to determine which vaccinations they need to maintain optimal health.
The basics on long-term care insurance V
arious insurance plans protect individuals from financial calamity. Insurance works by requiring policy holders to pay a premium. In the event of an accident or incident, a claim can be filed and the insurance company will reimburse the person for expenses, minus the deductible. Health insurance is one type of insurance that people have to manage their health and well-being. There’s also another, perhaps lesser-known insurance that can prove invaluable. It is called long-term care insurance. Long-term care insurance, or LTCI, is an insurance product that is found primarily in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. LTCI generally covers assisted living needs, home care, hospice care, adult daycare, and other requirements of senior living and/or health management. People who invest in LTCI are planning ahead for the times when they may no longer be able to care for themselves without assistance. LTCI will help offset the ever-rising costs associated with
specialized senior housing and nursing facilities. Traditional healthcare insurance and government-sponsored plans (i.e., Medicare in the United States) will not pay for daily, extended care services. The AARP notes that these other plans
may only cover a short stay in a subacute rehabilitation center or nursing home, or pay for a limited amount of at-home care. LTCI can help families finance the cost of medical care when all other options will not. LTCI should be looked into early
in life, as policies often cost less if purchased when one is younger and in good health. People in poor health or already receiving long-term care services may not qualify for LTCI outright. But there are some workarounds, including buying a limited amount of coverage or coverage at a higher “nonstandard” rate. Some policies do not require medical underwriting, and these may be advantageous to people with preexisting health conditions. When shopping for policies, look into how long LTCI will pay. Some policies include limits on how long or how much providers will pay for care, with some plans maxing out at two to five years. Other policies may not implement a term limit. Speak with a tax specialist as well, as premiums paid on a long-term care insurance products may be tax deductible. Long-term care insurance is a way for individuals to finance the often expensive costs for medical services that may be required as one ages.