Vaccines are critical in protecting the health of yourself and your community, and are our best line of defense against many infectious diseases. They help your body recognize and fight germs by protecting you each time you come into contact with someone who is sick.
In an effort to encourage older adults to receive all of their vaccinations, the Alliance for Aging Research has created a series of films that feature adults sharing their experiences with vaccine-preventable diseases. The films cover diseases such as:
Pneumonia, which causes over one million adults to be hospitalized each year. While pneumonia is the 8th leading cause of death, it can be prevented with vaccination. Jane Angelich, a pneumonia survivor and vaccine advocate, shares her story about in the hopes of inspiring others in the film “Real Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Jane’s Experience with Pneumonia.”
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, a severe infection of the upper respiratory system caused by bacteria. It can be identified by its distinct-sounding cough, also referred to as the 100-day cough, and can cause coughing fits that make it difficult to breathe. While pertussis is highly contagious and can be fatal in babies and older adults, it can often be prevented with vaccination. Jill Oberndorfer shares her story with pertussis and its complications in the film, “Real Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Jill’s Experience with Pertussis.”
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus stays in the body even after recovering from chickenpox or receiving the chickenpox vaccine and can reactivate, causing a new infection called shingles. The risk of developing shingles increases as you age. About half of all shingles cases are in adults age 60 or older, and the chance of getting shingles becomes much greater by age 70. Kristine Walberg shares her experience with shingles and urges everyone, especially those over 50, to get vaccinated in the film, “Real Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Kristine’s Experience with Shingles.”
Watch the films to learn more about these stories and how, together, we can protect ourselves from vaccine-preventable diseases. For more information on vaccination, visit AgingResearch.org/OurBestShot.
