Parents know that vaccination is a big part of caring for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to vaccinate children against a host of diseases and conditions in the first 12 to 18 months of a child’ s life. The AAP notes that early immunization helps children build immunity at the best time— before they’ re exposed to germs that can

make them very sick.

The effectiveness of vaccines in relation to protecting young children is well documented, but what about seniors and vaccines? Are immunizations still a vital part of a wellness routine when adults reach their golden years? The National Institute on Aging advises older adults to speak with their doctors or pharmacists about the vaccines they need,

which may help to prevent or reduce the severity of various diseases.

COVID-19

The NIA notes that age is a risk factor for serious illness from COVID-19. Due to the relative infancy of COVID-19, researchers are still learning about the effectiveness of vaccines against new variants of the virus. But older adults are more likely to get

seriously ill from COVID-19 than younger people, so it’ s imperative seniors discuss immunization against the virus with their physicians.

Influenza

The World Health Organization notes that the flu kills as many as 650,000 people across the globe each year. A 2009 study published in the journal Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses