Although many of us think that the Covid pandemic is over, the virus is still among us. True, there is no greater fear or restrictions than before. But that does not mean that the risk has completely disappeared. The risk has not diminished, especially for our elderly mothers, fathers, grandparents, and grandparents in our homes. So, what should we do to protect them? What are the latest recommendations from the world's leading health organizations? Let's talk about it simply.
Why is there all of a sudden talk about this new booster vaccine?
You may remember that we all got several doses of the Covid vaccine. Those vaccines built up immunity in our bodies. But this immunity is like the battery of a phone. It gradually decreases over time. Simply put, the protection provided by the vaccine gradually starts to wane over time.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the world's leading health agencies, recently issued a special recommendation. They point out that it is very important for people aged 65 or older to get another booster dose 4 months after their last dose of Covid vaccine.
The main objective behind this recommendation is to protect the elderly community from the severe effects of the Covid virus by boosting immune defenses that have declined over time.
Think of it like the defense system in our home. Over time, some parts of it can become weak. What we do is repair those weak parts and make the defense even stronger. This booster shot does the same thing. It gives the body's immune system an extra boost, making it ready to fight the virus again.
Is the risk of COVID-19 still high for the elderly?
You might be thinking, "Anyone who gets COVID now will get better in two or three days." That may be the case for a young, healthy person. But for someone over the age of 65, the situation can be much different and more serious. If we look at the statistics, we can understand the seriousness of this very well.
In the last quarter of last year, more than half (over 50%) of those hospitalized with COVID were over the age of 65. And in the first 7 months of 2023, 88 out of 100 (88%) of those who died in hospitals from COVID were over the age of 65. What do these statistics show? Our older population is at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill, hospitalized, and dying from this disease.
There are several reasons for this. Let's understand them from this table.
| Reason for increased risk | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Weakening of immunity with age | As we age, our body's 'defense forces' (immune system) become weaker. So when a virus enters, we can't fight it off as quickly and strongly as a younger person. |
| Having other non-communicable diseases (Chronic Diseases) | Many older people have other diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. When you get infected with COVID, it puts a lot of stress on the body. This can make even those conditions that were under control worse. |
| Higher chance of complications | The risk of severe complications from Covid, such as pneumonia, respiratory distress, and kidney damage, is much higher among adults. |
How can I get my parents/adults to like this?
After learning this information, the biggest question on your mind might be, "How do we get our mom/dad to like this?" Because some adults may be a little reluctant to get repeated vaccinations.
Speak with patience and love.
The first thing to do is to talk to them about this very lovingly and patiently . Instead of ordering them to "you have to do it again," give them a sense of, "Mom/Dad, we are doing this to protect you. Your safety is what matters to us."
Explain the correct information simply.
- Explain the points in this article in a simple way that they can understand.
- Explain the decrease in the potency of a vaccine over time with a simple example, like a battery running down.
- Talk about the risks of contracting COVID along with other illnesses.
Ask about their fears and doubts.
Ask them, "Why don't you like this?", "What are you afraid of?" Maybe they're afraid of the side effects of the vaccine. Explain to them that things like a little soreness at the injection site, body aches, and a slight fever will go away completely in a day or two, but the protection they get from getting seriously ill with COVID is much more valuable.
Go with them to the doctor.
The best thing to do is to go see their family doctor with them. When the doctor explains the medical significance of this, they will feel more confident about it. They can also confirm with the doctor whether it is appropriate to get this vaccine given their other medical conditions.
Don't forget, it is the responsibility of all of us to protect these trees that provide shade for our lives. With a little interest and a few loving words, we can fulfill that responsibility.
Take-Home Message
- The COVID pandemic is not over yet. People over the age of 65, in particular, are still at high risk.
- Because the protection provided by previous vaccinations decreases over time, an additional booster dose is recommended to boost it again.
- According to World Health Organization recommendations, it is recommended that people over the age of 65 receive this booster dose 4 months after receiving the last Covid dose.
- It is imperative to consult your family doctor (GP) before receiving any vaccination, especially if you have other medical conditions.
- It is our responsibility to educate our beloved elders about this and help ensure their safety.
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