There’s a lot of information—and misinformation—out there about COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines designed to help fight it. The coronavirus disease (more commonly referred to as COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, this variant is more difficult to treat because it’s resistant to most of the common antiviral drugs. The symptoms are more severe than the average flu and can lead to long-lasting respiratory effects and even death.
Anyone can contract COVID-19, but those with preexisting medical conditions or other risk factors are especially vulnerable to severe symptoms. Seniors (those aged 65 and older) are one of the largest groups of high-risk individuals.
Getting vaccinated can help reduce your risk of contracting and spreading the disease if you’re exposed to it. Keep reading to learn more about this disease and whether you should get vaccinated against COVID-19 for yourself and your loved ones.
If you’ve wondered, “Which COVID-19 vaccine is the best option for me?” we’ll also go over which COVID-19 vaccine is best for immunocompromised patients and the benefits of boosters.
Who Should Definitely Get Vaccinated for COVID-19?
People at an increased risk of contracting and being seriously harmed by COVID-19 include those in the following categories:
- Have preexisting chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, cancer)
- Use illegal drugs
- Smoke
- Have weakened immune systems (e.g., people with cancer, organ transplant recipients, people on certain types of medication)
- Are extremely young or extremely old
- Are receiving long-term care in a healthcare facility
- Are in close contact with people who have COVID-19, especially caregivers, healthcare providers, and first responders
- Have a high risk of exposure to COVID-19, including children in child care centers, healthcare personnel, and people who live in crowded or unsanitary conditions
- Are pregnant
Most seniors fall into several of these categories at once, which means that, according to the CDC, you are at an increased risk of mortality or severe symptoms and complications should you contract COVID-19.
Who Should Not Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The CDC recommends that you not be vaccinated for COVID-19 if
- You are allergic to any component of either the mRNA vaccine or the Johnson & Johnson vaccination.
- You are allergic to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate.
If you are severely immunocompromised, your doctor may recommend that you not receive the vaccine, but in most cases, it is highly recommended by the CDC and most healthcare professionals for anyone over the age of 65.
What Are My COVID-19 Vaccine Options?
There are currently three vaccination options available to help prevent the contraction of COVID-19—Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. While all of the vaccinations are effective, it is recommended that seniors receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccination.
These mRNA vaccinations consist of two shots two weeks apart and have been shown by multiple studies to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and severe complication. In fact, seniors who received either Pfizer or Moderna were found to be 94% less likely to end up in the hospital.
Which COVID-19 Vaccine Is Best for Over 65?
So which COVID-19 vaccine is the best? Whichever one you can most safely and quickly access. Discuss your options with your doctor carefully, then get your vaccination as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Booster Shots
As with the flu vaccine, the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccination declines over time. New strains come out that can defeat your body’s immunities. This is why boosters are so important, especially for those over the age of 65.
The CDC recommends that those with compromised immune systems like seniors should get their booster about four months after regular vaccination. If it’s been longer since your COVID-19 vaccination, you can receive your booster at any time.
Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19
Depending on an individual’s overall health and the severity of the symptoms, a COVID-19 infection can range in severity from a mild illness that resolves on its own to a life-threatening condition. Most people who contract COVID-19 will have symptoms related to pneumonia, which it can cause, such as the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Fevers
- Chest pain
- Excessive coughing
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chills
- General malaise
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Joint aches
- Swollen lymph nodes
Additionally, some people who contract COVID-19 may experience more unusual symptoms as a result of underlying conditions. If you have one or more of the following conditions, you could be more susceptible to a more severe case of COVID-19:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Obesity
- Alcoholism
- Liver disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Cigarette smoking
- Using illegal drugs like opioids
If you think you may have COVID-19, tests are covered by Medicare.
Contact the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas
If you’re still wondering, “Which COVID-19 vaccine is the best option for me?” or if you need help accessing vaccination, contact the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas! We’re happy to connect you with the healthcare professionals who can advise and immunize you.
We can help ensure that you are able to make the best decision for you and your family. All our information and assistance programs are offered to senior citizens in our area completely free of charge.
