In 2020, the world as we knew it was flipped upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic instilled fear and panic in people of all ages. Since the risk of becoming severely ill from COVID increases with age, fear and panic were especially prevalent within the senior community. Fast forward to 2023, and our world is now somewhat back to normal. Masks are only required in certain places, and we have a vaccine; but that does not necessarily mean people are done getting sick. So, how is COVID-19 affecting the senior community today? Should seniors still be cautious?
COVID and Age
As mentioned, age affects the likelihood of a person becoming sick or dying from COVID-19. Most COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths occur in people over sixty-five. When seniors become sick with COVID, they may need hospitalization, intensive care, or put on a ventilator. Older adults often already have underlying medical conditions. This can be fatal for them, especially if unvaccinated. “It is important seniors remain vigilant about COVID-19 and continue taking precautions,” said Dr. James Lin, president of the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging.
COVID Prevention in 2023
The current state of COVID-19 is quite different from 2020. Back then, prevention efforts were centered around social distancing, masking, and quarantining. Fortunately, we now know more about COVID. Most people in the United States now have immunity, which can be from vaccination, previous infection, or both. Dr. Lin emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated and says, “It is essential to get the updated bivalent booster, especially for older people who are at elevated risk for severe infection.”
There are a lot of misconceptions about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. The public should know the mRNA vaccine was found to be 73.9% effective against critical illness among adults less than sixty days after the second booster dose. The vaccine was found to be 89.6% effective against death among adults less than sixty days after the second dose (Centers for Disease Control, 2023). Additionally, the bivalent COVID booster cuts the risk of having to visit an emergency department or hospital by half or more for most people.
Recently, the vaccine recommendations changed, providing more flexibility for people sixty-five and older, and for the immunocompromised. They can receive extra doses and gain additional protection. It is also recommended everyone six years and older get an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, even if they previously completed their primary series (Centers for Disease Control, 2023). If you got vaccinated before September 2022, you should get your updated COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Otherwise, you can wait two months after completing your primary vaccination series. If you recently had COVID, you should wait three months before getting the updated vaccine.
COVID & Flu Prevention at LECOM
You might be wondering what is being done at LECOM to keep our community safe and prevent the spread of infection. Rest assured, LECOM Health and its affiliates are taking every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and to reduce exposure within our facilities and the community. The Vaccine, Testing, and Treatment Center is in the LECOM Center for Health and Aging at 3910 Schaper Avenue. It is now open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 AM to 4 PM. COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available for people of all eligible ages. COVID testing and oral treatments are also provided. Walk-ins are welcome, and there is no cost to receive a vaccine, making getting vaccinated easier than ever.
Flu vaccines will also be available at The Vaccine, Testing, and Treatment Center, starting September 1st. Influenza is not to be forgotten about or taken lightly, as it has the highest mortality rate among adults sixty-five and older (Centers for Disease Control, 2023). With flu season quickly approaching, seniors should prepare to get both a COVID booster shot and a flu vaccine. On September 1st, LECOM Health will be kicking off flu season with a free vaccine clinic at the Zem Zem Shrine Club, located at 2525 West 38th Street from 9 AM to 3 PM. No appointment is necessary. Not only should seniors get vaccinated to protect themselves, but we should all get vaccinated and do our best to protect each other.
LECOM Health and the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging are committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 and Influenza while keeping the senior community safe and healthy. To schedule a vaccine, call 814-488-3939 or email [email protected]. To learn more about the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging, visit https://lecomisaging.com/covid-19-vaccine-testing-information/ or call 814-868-3883.