Surrounded by the woodland of Tampa, FL, Discovery Village Westchase provides seniors with ample opportunities to relax and enjoy their surroundings throughout the year. During that time, every retiree must ensure their health by receiving annual vaccines and immunizations, one of the most important of which is the shingles vaccine, because Immunization Managers confirms over 90% of adults over the age of 50 already carry the virus that causes this issue.
As the illness is likely to hit one in three older adults, protecting oneself is extremely important to avoid the rash, nerve damage, and potential for hospital visits.
Read on to discover more about Shingrix, one of the main vaccines against this condition, as well as to learn information on doses, adult immunization tips, and other assisted living wellness strategies to give you the best chance of avoiding shingles in general.
Shingles is a common stereotype for those of retirement age, but there are several reasons why this is the case. For example, chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are likely to increase the chance of reactivation of the disease.
Protein under-nutrition and other forms of malnutrition also increase the risk, and with many seniors having additional trouble processing various foods, it can become more likely that they experience higher chances of developing shingles. For this reason, we ensure that those in our care receive the most nutritious food possible through our Sensations dining option, which provides our community with the necessary food to support a healthy lifestyle.
Tampa's reports of shingles remain high every year, with requests for vaccines requiring a constant supply in the region. The Florida Department of Health also confirms that the best way to avoid shingles is via vaccination, meaning that doctors tend to encourage its use with all local seniors. Early vaccination and the subsequent reduction in risk mean that seniors are much less likely to require hospital visits and endure long-term pain, thereby improving their quality of life.
At the same time, shingles can be highly problematic for those who may not understand the condition. Memory Care teams are specially trained to work with residents who may require support when they are experiencing discomfort. Memory care health resources, such as our staff, can then help individuals avoid specific pain triggersthat may occur due to their mental state.
Shingrix is a vaccine that many retirees are receiving in 2025, with it starting to replace Zostavax in many senior medical contexts. It is beneficial for those in senior living, as it serves as an excellent choice for immunocompromised adults.
The vaccine helps to train the body to remain immune to the virus by allowing it to target specific proteins that the virus itself contains. When the body absorbs these, it is then more difficult for the virus to cause further harm.
Another reason many seniors are choosing to use Shingrix is that its side effects are relatively mild. Recipients typically experience only mild arm soreness and fatigue, which last around two days, making it a minor inconvenience. It can also be administered simultaneously with other vaccines, such as those for the flu or pneumococcal viruses, making it a suitable choice for co-administration to save time.
However, it is essential to note that one needs to take more than a single dose of Shingrix. These two doses need to be separated by two to six months to help the body build a long-term defense against the virus. If a senior plans to visit family, or have family visit, over the holidays, they should ensure that they receive the second dose more than four weeks before departure to provide the best possible protection before arrival.
When you or a loved one receives a vaccine, it is essential to ensure that your body is in the best condition possible to recognize and respond to the virus data contained within the immunization, helping to train it to fight the real virus. As such, pay attention to these vaccine recommendations for seniors:
Also, ensure that you update any vaccine tracking data you have, if applicable. You can then use this information when you next visit your doctor, so they are aware of the full extent of your health.
If possible, schedule your Shingrix vaccination alongside other healthcare check-ups. While this will not have a direct impact on your health, it will simply save you time in the future. Take advantage of the opportunity to get blood pressure checks, for example, or other regular wellness examinations, thereby reducing the disruption to the rest of your year.
You could also perform the vaccination as a group activity. Get others in the community excited, turning it into a social "outing" for the whole group. You will then have people to talk to at every stage, avoiding boredom during periods of waiting or queuing for the vaccine itself.
Discovery Village Staff are likely more than happy to help, to ensure that everyone in their care is kept as safe and healthy as possible. So, make sure to ask them about what they can do to help schedule a vaccination.
Receiving the Shingrix shingles vaccine is essential for seniors across Tampa, and Discovery Village at Westchase is well-positioned to coordinate this effort. We care about the health of our residents, and our community is best served when they are as healthy as possible.
To learn more about our efforts in this regard or to inquire about our community, please get in touch with us. We can offer information or even book a tour so that you can discover more about what we have on offer today.