This National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), BC Care Providers Association and EngAge BC would like to highlight the importance of immunizations and their role in keeping seniors healthy and thriving. As older adults age, it becomes increasingly difficult for their immune systems to fight off diseases. That is why staying up-to-date with important immunizations is key to help seniors to be better protected against various diseases, aid recovery and foster healthy aging.
It is recommended that older adults (65+) receive vaccines for the following:
- Flu (Influenza) – annually
- Pneuococcal
- Shingles
Seniors and those long-term care settings are especially vulnerable to complications from influenza, which can lead to severe illness and even death. According to the 2021-2022 Canadian Immunization Guide Chapter on influenza and statement on seasonal influenza vaccine, immunization of long-term care staff against influenza is associated with substantial decreases in illness and death amongst residents.
To ensure the highest standards of care, it is important for healthcare workers and those working in the continuing care sector to also get a flu vaccination. Learn more about vaccines by registering for SafeCare BC’s upcoming Vaccines Basics Course. This self-paced course will focus on the importance of vaccines as part of infection prevention and control practices. It is designed for frontline staff, support staff and managers. The course will cover how vaccines work, how they are developed, and answer some common questions. Pre-register here.
For more information on immunization, check out our Flu Awareness Campaign and webinar (supported by Sanofi) and SafeCare BC’s vaccine resources.
Additional links and resources:
ImmunizeBC: Find a clinic in your local health unit
SafeCare BC: Vaccinating for influenza
Flu Awareness Campaign (supported by Sanofi)
Immunize BC: Adult immunizations
HealthLinkBC: Immunization schedule for B.C. Adults, Seniors and Individuals at High Risk
HealthLinkBC: Why Seniors Should Get in Inactivated (Flu) Vaccine
Public Health Agency of Canada – Immunization Vaccines
How will you be raising awareness this NIAM? Use the hashtags #NIAM2022 #VaccinesWork and share any relevant resources on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. Be sure to tag us at @BCCareProviders and @EngAge_BC!
