Elderly

Why is there a need for protection?

As the worldwide population ages, more people are affected by age-related decline in immunity.^1,2 Elderly above the age of 65 years old have weakened immune systems that increases their vulnerability to infectious diseases.^3,4 Age-related immunity decline also causes infectious diseases to be more severe among the elderly.^2,4

Vaccination can protect the elderly against diseases and prevent them from suffering from complications.³ They also lower the chances of spreading diseases to their loved ones.³

How can i protect myself?

Vaccination

Hepatitis A Vaccine⁵
• 2 doses for individuals at high risk of infection or severe outcomes^‡

Hepatitis B Vaccine^{5 †}
• 3 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

Influenza (INF) Vaccine^{5 †}
• 1 dose repeated annually or per season for high-risk adults^#
• 1 dose repeated annually or per season for adults age 65 years or older

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine^{5 †}
• 2 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13) Vaccine^{5 †}
• 1 dose for adults aged 18-64 years with specific medical condition or indication or adults aged 65 years or older

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPSV23) Vaccine^{5 †}
• 1 or 2 doses (depending on indication) for adults aged 18-64 years with specific medical condition or indication
• 1 dose for adults aged 65 years or older

Tetanus, Reduced Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine⁵
• 1 dose with tetanus booster every 10 years

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine^{5 †}
• 2 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

^† Available vaccines are recommended in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).⁶ Singaporean adults receive partial subsidies at polyclinics and/or CHAS GP clinics and MediSave can be used to cover the remaining co-payment.^7,8 Under MediSave 500 & Medisave 700, eligible Singaporean can use up to $500 / $700 for approved vaccinations.⁹ Under the Outpatient Flexi-MediSave, patients above 60 can use up to $300 for approved vaccinations.⁹

 

Everyday Protection

As the immune system of the elderly weakens, it is important to practise good hygiene habits and take measures to protect against diseases. These include:

• Regular handwashing with soap and water¹⁰
• Using a hand sanitizer if soap and water is unavailable¹⁰
• Avoiding crowded places¹¹
• Visiting the doctor if unwell¹¹

Caregivers should also take extra care in maintaining personal hygiene and avoid interacting with seniors if unwell.¹¹