Keeping Seniors Healthy (NAPSA)—Senior adults can help protect their health by taking steps to prevent flu and pneumonia. In the U.S. these diseases caused the deaths of many elderly persons during the 2001/2002 flu season, reminding doctors of how vulnerable older people are to infectious disease particularly if they live in a long-term carefacility. Although notoften thought of as fatal diseases, flu and pneumonia together are the fifth leading cause of death among people 65 and older. These conditions kill more than 50,000 elderly people every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because long-term care resi- dents reside in dormitory-type settings, nursing homes are com- monsites for flu and pneumonia outbreaks. Fortunately, common sense steps can be taken to protect the elderly. First, provided it’s medically appropriate, doctors recommend that elderly loved ones living in long-term care facilities be immunized with the flu vaccine every year if they are over 50 and the pneumococcal vaccine if they are over 65. These vaccines are also appropriate for people of all ages who have heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes or other chronic conditions. Second, talk with the medical staff at your loved one’s facility to find out whether immunization of all residents is a routine health practice. Since healthcare workers can transmit flu and pneumoniato residents, it is important that caregivers also be immunized if it’s medically appropriate. Studies have found that this practice can reduce flu-related deaths among long-term care residents. If the facility caring for your Peopleliving in nursing homes should be vaccinated against flu and pneumonia. loved one does not require immunization, try talking to the medical staff at the nursing home or your state health department. You can also contact your state representa- tives and urge them to establish a nursing home immunization pro- gram requiring the two vaccinesfor staff and residents, provided it’s medically appropriate that they be immunized. When speaking with a representative, you can mention that CDC recommends the two vaccines for both residents and staff and that a dozen states have already established such programs. It may also help to mention that these immunizations make economic sense and can help reduce the financial strain on the state healthcare system by preventing people from getting sick. Also mention that Medicare covers the cost of both vaccines, thus eliminating the cost burden for residents enrolled in the program. For more information, visit www.partnersforimmunization.org or e-mail questions to npi@nfid.org.
