New Film Series Urges Vaccination, Staying Protected Against Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

A new film series from the Alliance for Aging Research features older adults sharing their experiences contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. The films aim to encourage the over 65 population to protect the health of themselves and loved ones by staying current with CDC-recommended vaccines for older adults.

“The bottom line is that vaccinations are one of our best defenses against many infectious diseases, especially for older adults who may have chronic conditions like heart disease, lung diseases, and diabetes that make them more susceptible to complications,” says Lindsay Clarke, JD, Senior Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy at the Alliance. 

The videos feature three vaccine advocates who discuss diseases and infections such as:

Pneumonia, which causes more than one million adults to be hospitalized each year. While pneumonia is currently the 8th leading cause of death, it can largely be prevented with vaccination. Jane Angelich, a pneumonia survivor and vaccine advocate, shares her story 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, often referred to as the 100-day cough, which can be disabling and 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 of whooping cough and her complications in the film, “Real Stories of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Jill’s Experience with Pertussis.”

Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV, 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 aged 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.”

To learn more about how to protect yourself against vaccine-preventable diseases, watch the films and talk to your healthcare provider. Visit AgingResearch.org/OurBestShot to learn more.