Laura Tamblyn Watts
CEO,
CanAge
Dr. George Zhanel
Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Research Director,
Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance
Though they may be fit and healthy, older adults should know the risks of respiratory illness and how to protect themselves.
Many healthy older adults believe they don’t need vaccine protection against respiratory infections like pneumococcal pneumonia, flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). “My 88-year-old mother, who I love madly, is one of them,” says Dr. George Zhanel, Professor and Associate Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Research Director of the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance at the University of Manitoba. “Though she was a nurse for 55 years, she’ll give me all these reasons why she doesn’t need them as a healthy senior, and then I’ll say, ‘Mom, that’s exactly why you need them — so you can stay healthy, continue living independently, and enjoy your life.’”
The need to stay protected as we age
Aging makes us more susceptible to contracting respiratory infections and suffering severe illness and complications that require hospitalization. “There’s also growing data to support that getting one of the four respiratory infections puts older adults at greater risk of heart attack or stroke, and can exacerbate any existing medical problems like heart failure, arrhythmias, diabetes, and even dementia,” says Dr. Zhanel.
Another concern is the potential longer recovery time and health problems following hospitalization. “The average hospital stay for an older person with respiratory illness is between 8 and 14 days. Following their stay, patients may develop or increase their frailty, increase their risk of chronic lung, or cardiovascular disease,” says Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, a national seniors’ advocacy organization.
With approximately 40 per cent of Canadian adults over 65 years having multiple comorbidities putting them at a higher risk of a respiratory infection, the addition of a vaccine preventable respiratory disease (VPRD), increase the risk of hospitalization and hence result in a substantial burden of the health care system, meaning longer wait times and more Canadians wit delays on their health care.
Respiratory illnesses are preventable with vaccines
One in four Canadians is expected to be over the age of 65 by 2035, meaning that protection against VPRDs will be essential to keeping these patients healthy. “The goal of these vaccines is to prevent people from getting severely ill and needing to seek medical care, thereby minimizing the burden on the health care system,” says Dr. Zhanel.
Flu and COVID vaccines are covered under provincial and territorial publicly funded immunization programs. Recently, a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was included in most provincial programs for people aged 65 and older, or people under 65 years with certain medical conditions. “On the RSV side, coverage varies by province,” says Dr. Zhanel.
“Vaccines are also in a golden age of improvement and innovation,” says Tamblyn Watts. Dr. Zhanel agrees, adding: “Whether we’re talking about influenza, COVID, or pneumococcal vaccines, vaccine researchers are continuously assessing, updating, and improving these vaccines to ensure the best safety and effectiveness when implemented.”
Thinking proactively and staying safe
To stay protected, individuals should consult the current vaccine guidelines or speak with their health care provider. “If you’re coming into your doctor’s office for a flu shot, it’s a good time to think about the other vaccines you may need, like an RSV vaccine, a pneumococcal vaccine or a COVID-19 vaccine adapted for the season (circulating strain),” says Dr. Zhanel.
It’s also a good idea to confirm your vaccination status. “Often, older people mistakenly believe that they are fully vaccinated, and may have missed a vaccine that is indicated for their age or may require an annual administration. says Tamblyn Watts. “They should also find out if they need a senior-specific vaccine because it may be that the standard adult version isn’t as effective or appropriate for them.”
Learn more about how best to protect yourself against respiratory infections at canada.ca/en/public-health/services/vaccination-adults.html.
This was made possible by the support of Pfizer Canada.
