Senior Older and Wiser By June Michel

SENIORS' WINTER 2021 HEALTH CHECKLIST: By all indications, this is going

to be a very cold winter with heavy rain and snow. We need to get our ducks in a row by

making certain we have checked off each of the following medical suggestions.

1. IF YOU ARE STILL WAITING FOR A GOOD TIME TO GET YOUR COVID

VACCINATION, NOW IS THE TIME: The winter weather is forcing people to spend

more time in doors. When people are concentrated in enclosed areas, so are germs. If you are vaccinated

and take normal precautions you should be fine. If you are still unprotected by one of the free

vaccines, well sir, you are a sitting duck. If you receive your first shot this week it will provide you

with some protection. Then in two months get the second of the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna to be

fully protected at above 90%. The good news is that you won’t require a booster shot for six months

and maybe things will be better by then. The vaccines are free and available at most local pharmacies.

2. IF IT’S BEEN SIX MONTHS SINCE YOU COMPLETED YOUR COVID VACCINE ITS

TIME TO GET A BOOSTER SHOT: Recently, we have started hearing about break through infections.

This refers to fully vaccinated individuals who caught the virus. Remember this is all new.

Two years ago, there was no coronavirus or delta variant or testing sites or mass pandemic deaths or

lifesaving vaccines. Epidemiologist have now determined that booster shots at the six-month mark

returns our protection levels to above 90%. The Pfizer, Moderna and J&J booster shots are available

through local clinics and at most pharmacies.

King County Public Health has an excellent web page with information and booster locations:

www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/vaccine/distribution

* RIDES ARE AVAILABLE: If you need a ride to your vaccination appointment, visit bit.ly/

vaxride or call 425-943-6706 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dial 5 for interpretation).

3. IT’S ALSO TIME TO GET A FLU SHOT: Now I have a friend, she is like a sister, her name

is Miss Mary Ellen and she has strong opinions to pass along to seniors. When I mentioned that there

are people who never get a flu shot, Miss Mary Ellen said “No, no, no. You tell them to get the flu shot

so they don’t get pneumonia and end up on a ventilator in the hospital with all those people with the

virus.” Just say yes ma’am and go get your free flu shot. Tell the pharmacist and you can get it right

along with your booster. Once again this year there is a special senior’s flu shot.

4 & 5. SENIORS SHOULD HAVE A PNEUMONIA VACCINE AND A SHINGLES SHOT:

According to the CDC, all adults 65 years or older should receive 1 dose of the pneumonia vaccine,

pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). This is a one-time vaccine that protects against 23

types of pneumococcal bacteria. As for shingles, ask anyone who has had it, its an incredibly painful

rash illness. The CDC recommends if you're 50 or older, get Shingrix. Shingrix provides strong

protection from shingles and long-term nerve pain.

WHAT DO THE COVID FULLY VACCINATED PERCENTAGES LOOK LIKE?

IN USA 58.3% WASHINGTON 72.5% KING COUNTY 83.1% PIERCE 59.3%

WORLD-WIDE 40% RUSSIA 33% CHINA 80% CANADA 75%

Please stay well and remember, you read it in The Facts