As June is Men’s Health Month, it’s a great time to address vaccinations with your dad. Do you know if his shots are all up-to-date, or is he missing some? Now is an excellent time to check his current vaccination status and schedule him for the missing ones. His senior care aide can help him with this process.
Most people tolerate vaccines without serious complications or issues. Arm pain is one of the more common complaints. Your dad may want to have someone around to help him reach things, wash his hair, and cook meals until the pain subsides.
COVID-19
Likely, your dad has already gotten his COVID-19 vaccination. If not, it’s an important shot to discuss. Some people are hesitant about the newness and speed at which this vaccination came out, but millions have had it with no significant side effects.
If your dad is worried, have him talk to his doctor about the pros and cons. He can also discuss the different options like Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson to figure out which is the best one for his needs. The need for boosters will be likely, so he needs to make sure he gets it as soon as it’s recommended.
Flu
Once a year, usually around October, your dad should get his flu shot. It will protect him from contracting the flu, and if he gets the flu, it helps lower the risk of severe symptoms.
Pneumococcal
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against dangerous blood infections, meningitis, and pneumonia. If your dad is over 65, the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines are important.
Shingles
After the age of 50, the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended to prevent the herpes zoster virus from returning later in life and causing an uncomfortable rash and nerve pain. It’s a two-dose vaccination where the doses are given two months apart. There was a one-dose shingles vaccine (Zostavax), but it was discontinued in the U.S. back in November 2020.
TDAP
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) are all covered by the TDAP vaccine. This shot is recommended every 10 years. It protects against all three diseases.
Hire Senior Care Services to Help Keep Your Dad Organized and Healthy
Is it hard balancing work, your family, and your dad’s care needs? You’re not alone. Many family caregivers spend 40 or more hours at work and spend several additional hours each week helping parents who are aging at home.
Consider hiring senior care aides to help with some of the tasks that must be completed when you’re at work. Caregivers can make calls to arrange medical exams, vaccinations, and dental visits. The caregiver can drive your dad to those appointments and bring him back home.
Senior care services include many aspects of daily living, from transportation and errands to scheduling and medication reminders. Call our senior care specialist to get help.