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Vaccinations and Immunizations
Take a shot for better health
IntraCare’s doctors and APPs are certified to administer necessary vaccinations that senior adults aged 65 years and above should get to protect their immune systems.
For seasonal illnesses like the flu, doctors recommend getting your annual flu shot in September or October. Flu viruses are adaptable and older vaccines may not be effective against newer strains. This is why yearly vaccinations are recommended.
Immunizations for pneumococcal diseases and hepatitis B are needed only once in a lifetime, whereas shots for Tdap or Td (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) are given once every 10 years.
The shingles vaccine protects for 7 years, and the vaccination for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) needs to be updated every 2 years.
Updated Covid vaccines are also recommended as the virus continues to disproportionately affect senior adults whose weaker immune systems put them at high risk.
Common Vaccination Sites
In senior adults, vaccines and immunization shots are usually given in the upper arm. Shots are either intramuscular (in the muscle) or intravenous (in a vein).
Common Side Effects
Vaccinations are generally safe, but you may experience swelling at the site of the shot, mild fever, chills, headache, and muscle and joint aches for a while.
Purpose of Injectables
Medications injected into the body are not processed in the digestive tract, but absorbed directly into the circulatory system. This helps retain the active ingredient’s potency.
Frequently asked questions
All senior adults aged 65 years and above should be up to date on their vaccines for the flu, pneumococcal diseases, shingles, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (also known as Tdap or Td), and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
Your doctor will have your immunizations history on file. If you have recently switched care providers, you may need to call your previous doctor to have your medical records transferred.
The length of time a vaccine remains effective varies. Some last only 2 years, some a lifetime. Booster shots are given for vaccines whose effect wears off over time. Booster shots are just an extra dose of the same medication.
Influenza, or flu, viruses are able to adapt, mutate, and can become stronger. Because of this, vaccines that worked against earlier viruses may be ineffective on new viruses. The CDC recommends getting your flu shots in either September of October.
You may have pain, redness, or some swelling at the site of the injection, where the needle went it. A slight fever is common, as is feeling tired, and headaches, muscle aches, or pain in joints.
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IntraCare Health Center
IntraCare Health Center – Bedford
1305 Airport Freeway suite 405, Bedford, TX 76021, USA
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2720 Western Center Blvd unit 312, Fort Worth, TX 76131, USA
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1752 Broad Park Cir N ste 114, Mansfield, TX 76063, USA
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750 Eureka St, Suite B, Weatherford, TX 76086
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1625 North Grand Avenue, Gainesville, TX 76240, USA
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1455 W Chandler Blvd Building A Suite 4, Chandler, AZ 85224
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7525 E Broadway Rd suite 2, Mesa, AZ 85208
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10450 E Riggs Rd Ste 114, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, USA
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