Immunizationsto Get This Fall

As fall approaches, safeguard against the contagious illnesses that spread when cooler weather drives us all indoors. Immunizations are an excellent way to protect ourselves and our loved ones. According to the World Health Organization, however, immunization rates have not returned to 2019 levels due to pandemic-caused issues, making all of us less safe.One illness that spreads as the temperature drops is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which acts much like a cold. While for many of us, it’s a minor illness, it can be serious for older adults, babies and young children with certain health conditions, such as chronic lung disease. Vaccines should be considered for those groups.Those 65 and older should get vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia. Cases of this bacterial infection can be mild, but older adults are more than ten times as likely to be hospitalized from it as younger adults according to the American Lung Association. Younger adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and certain other chronic illnesses should get the vaccine as well.There can be up to a 60% reduced risk of the flu after a vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu season begins October 1. The Mayo Clinic...