When weighing the available COVID vaccines for seniors it is important to take into account several factors for those over 65. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are appropriate for seniors.
One major consideration when selecting which vaccine to receive is this: both of these vaccines have been proven to be effective warnings against disease, meaning that both products provide protection against the virus.
For this reason, the decision of which one to receive should come down to the individual’s individual medical history and other factors.
When looking at the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines specifically, it’s important to consider the differences between them. For instance, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been proven safe and effective in adults aged 16 and older, meaning seniors are eligible for this vaccine.
The Moderna vaccine, on the other hand, is only FDA-approved for adults aged 18 and older, making it a better choice for those over 65.
It’s also important to consider the different side effects of each vaccine. While both vaccines may cause mild responses like headache, fatigue, and muscle pain, reports of more serious side effects vary.
For example, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been known to cause more severe side effects including fever, chills, and joint pain, while the Moderna vaccine is often associated with more mild reactions such as nausea and vomiting.
In the end, the decision of which COVID-19 vaccine is better for seniors comes down to the individual’s medical history and other factors. In situations where the individual has no particular preference, it’s advisable to seek out a doctor’s advice to determine the best course of action.
Ultimately, the best COVID-19 vaccine for seniors is the one that is best suited to their individual health needs.
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What age is Moderna vaccine approved for?
The Moderna vaccine is FDA approved for individuals ages 18 and above. In the United States, the vaccine is recommended for all people ages 18 and older. Moderna has also enrolled adolescents ages 12 to 17 in clinical trials in order to extend the approved age range of the vaccine.
However, at this time, the only approved ages are 18 and above.
Are Pfizer and Moderna the same?
No, Pfizer and Moderna are not the same. Pfizer is an American pharmaceutical company that was founded in 1849, while Moderna is a biotechnology company founded in 2010. Pfizer researches and develops both prescription as well as over-the-counter drugs, while Moderna is focused solely on researching and developing mRNA therapeutics and vaccines.
Most notably, Pfizer is known for its work in developing one of the first coronavirus vaccines in conjunction with its German partner company, BioNTech. Moderna, on the other hand, is responsible for creating the first vaccine for the virus approved for use by the U.
S. Food and Drug Administration. Aside from this, both companies have very different product portfolios, organizational structures, values, and histories.
What vaccine is safer Moderna or Pfizer?
When determining which vaccine is safer between Moderna and Pfizer, it is important to look at the safety data that has been research and released to the public. In regards to safety, both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been found to be highly effective and very safe.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), data from clinical trials and the vaccination of millions of individuals has demonstrated that both vaccines are safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.
Looking more closely at the data published by CDC, both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine had similar efficacy percentages – the Moderna vaccine was 95. 6% effective and the Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective.
In terms of safety, a comparison between the two revealed that both are very safe and both had very low rates of adverse events reported after administration.
Based on the safety and efficacy data, it seems that both vaccines are very safe and effective and thus it is difficult to definitively state which one is “safer”. Ultimately, it is important to speak with your doctor or health care provider to determine which vaccine is most appropriate for you to receive.
Does Moderna have a higher risk of blood clots than Pfizer?
No, there is no evidence to suggest that Moderna’s vaccine has a higher risk of blood clots than Pfizer. Both vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, which has been studied extensively and found to be safe.
Clinical trials for both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have not indicated any higher-than-expected rates of blood clots.
In fact, since their rollout, both vaccines have been linked to a very small number of cases where people have experienced blood clots. Experts have pointed out that these cases have occurred at rates similar to those expected in the general population.
Furthermore, many of these cases could have also been caused by other possible factors, such as underlying medical conditions.
Although both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been found to be generally safe and effective at preventing infection with the novel coronavirus, it is important to remember that vaccine safety is always closely monitored.
If any potential risks are identified, public health officials will take appropriate action, such as adjusting vaccine recommendations.
Is there a stroke risk with COVID vaccine?
At the time of writing, there have been no reports of any significant stroke risks associated with taking the COVID vaccine. However, as with any medical procedure, there is always a possibility of side effects.
The most common side effects reported with the COVID vaccine include fever, chills, fatigue, body ache, and swelling at the injection site. Some rare side effects have included anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
Most people who experience anaphylaxis will show signs within 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine, so medical help should be sought immediately.
So far, clinicians are not aware of any stroke risk factors associated with the COVID vaccine. All the necessary safety protocols were followed during clinical trials and the vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the US.
As of now, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association (ASA) are not recommending any lifestyle changes or additional precautions be taken to reduce the risk of stroke due to the COVID vaccine.
They recommend talking to your provider if you are concerned about this potential risk.
Does Pfizer or Moderna have more side effects?
That is a difficult question to answer, as both Pfizer and Moderna have been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness. However, the FDA has reported more vaccine-related side effects for Pfizer than it has for Moderna.
These reports include injection site pain, fatigue, and fever — all of which are mild, short-lasting, and generally well-tolerated by people who have received the vaccine. It is important to note, however, that both vaccines are considered safe and effective, and although the side effects with Pfizer may be more common, they do not indicate an inadequate response to the vaccine.
Indeed, these side effects usually resolve within a few days and have been linked to a strong immune response. Ultimately, whether someone develops side effects following either vaccine depends on their individual circumstances and reactions.
What are the side effects of Moderna and Pfizer?
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are both based on the same technology known as messenger RNA (mRNA) and both have been found to have similar safety profiles. Common side effects of both vaccines may include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, swelling in the area of the injection, chills, fever, and body aches.
Less common side-effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle pain. Most of these side effects are believed to be the result of the body’s response to the vaccine and usually last 1-2 days. Rarely, people may experience an allergic reaction which may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In such cases, people should seek medical treatment immediately.
What vaccines should a 70 year old have?
A 70-year-old individual should receive vaccines that protect against common diseases such as influenza and pneumonia, as well as certain illnesses that become more common with age, including shingles, hepatitis B, and pneumococcal disease.
Depending on the individual’s health history, they may need other vaccinations, such as a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) shot.
The 70-year-old should obtain a yearly flu shot, as the flu virus changes each year and the vaccine needs to be updated regularly to protect against the new flu strains. The National Institute on Aging recommends that all adults, especially those over 65, receive a pneumonia vaccine every five years.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 60 and over who have never had shingles, to help prevent the incidence of shingles in seniors who are at high risk for developing them.
The same vaccine, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), is also recommended for people age 65 and over, as well as those with certain medical conditions and other risk factors, to protect against pneumococcal disease.
For those at increased risk, a second pneumococcal shot, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), is recommended to be given 1 year after the PPSV23. The hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) may be recommended if the individual has not already been vaccinated, is at risk of exposure, or if his or her sex partner is living with hepatitis B.
The Tdap vaccine is recommended for all adults, but especially those over 65, who have not already been vaccinated, to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you, and to stay up to date with these vaccines as you get older. Some vaccines may only be necessary at certain points in your life or certain types of vaccines may not be recommended depending on your medical and lifestyle history.
So the best way to protect yourself is to talk to your doctor about which vaccines are right for you.
Should a 70 year old get the shingles vaccine?
Yes, a 70 year old should get the shingles vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all adults age 60 and over get the shingles vaccine, regardless of whether or not they have had chickenpox or shingles in the past.
The shingles vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles and also reduces the severity of the symptoms if a person does get shingles.
Shingles is a painful condition caused by the same virus (varicella zoster) that causes chickenpox. The virus can lay dormant in the body for many years and may reactivate in adulthood, causing shingles.
The risk of shingles increases significantly with age, so getting the shingles vaccine is a great way to protect yourself from the virus and its associated pain and suffering.
Talk to your primary care provider about the shingles vaccine and any other vaccines you may be due for. Vaccines can help prevent serious illnesses and keep you healthy, no matter how old you are.
Do seniors need a pneumonia shot every year?
No, seniors do not necessarily need to receive a pneumonia shot every year. The current recommendation from most medical professional organizations is to receive a single dose of the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13) at age 65, followed by a dose of the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) at least 8 weeks later.
After the initial two doses, there is no recommendation to get a pneumonia shot every year.
However, there are certain medical conditions that might warrant a yearly pneumonia shot for seniors. People with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems should talk with their doctor about whether they might benefit from yearly or additional doses of the pneumonia shot beyond the initial two.
Additionally, some newer versions of the pneumonia vaccine require booster shots for optimal effectiveness, so it’s important for seniors to ask their doctor about the recommended dosing for their individual circumstances.
Do seniors need whooping cough vaccine?
Yes, seniors need whooping cough vaccine. Persons aged 65 years and over are at greater risk of complications if they get whooping cough. Consequently, it is important for seniors to get the whooping cough vaccine, as this may help protect them in the event of an outbreak.
Two types of vaccines are generally used to help protect against whooping cough: the tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (Tdap) booster and the Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster. The Tdap booster is recommended for those aged 65 years and older and can provide protection against all three illnesses.
The Td booster can provide protection from tetanus and diphtheria and may be recommended for those who cannot get a Tdap booster for various medical reasons. It is important for seniors to talk to their healthcare provider to determine which vaccine is best for them and how often they should get a booster.
Should you get Shingrix every 5 years?
The answer to whether you should get the Shingrix vaccine every five years is a complicated one. It depends on your age, health history, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to the virus that causes shingles.
It is generally recommended that everyone over the age of 50 get the Shingrix vaccine. In addition, it is recommended that people who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system due to HIV or medications should also get the Shingrix vaccine.
The duration of protection provided by Shingrix after the initial series is unknown. Some evidence suggests that protection may last up to five years, but it is not clear if booster doses at five-year intervals are necessary.
Therefore, it is difficult to determine if you should get Shingrix every five years or not. The best thing to do is speak to your healthcare provider who can evaluate your risk factors and discuss if further doses are necessary.
How many years is a pneumonia shot good for?
The pneumonia shot is typically good for up to two years. The recommended schedule for adults 19 years of age and older is to get one dose of the pneumonia shot, followed by a booster shot after five years.
The booster shot is once again good for an additional two years. People over 65 years old may receive a different version of the pneumonia shot – Prevnar 13 – as it helps protect against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria responsible for many cases of pneumonia.
This version of the vaccine provides longer-lasting protection and only needs to be given once.
How often should you get a pneumonia shot after age 65?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, if you have never had the pneumonia shot, then two shots are recommended, with the second shot given between the 6 and 12 months following the first.
After that, most people age 65 and over should receive a single pneumonia shot once every 5 years. However, if you have some chronic health conditions like lung or heart diseases, then it’s recommended to have the pneumonia shot every 5 years.
Additionally, if you have had to be hospitalized due to a serious illness, such as a stroke or COPD, talk to your doctor about having a pneumonia shot more often. Additionally, if you are a smoker or your immune system isn’t working as it should, your doctor may recommend getting a yearly pneumonia shot.
