If you are like most people, you are wondering whether your parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. On the surface, it seems logical for senior citizens to receive the vaccine. However, when you do some digging, you are likely to find providing the vaccine to some senior citizens has an element of risk. Let’s take a closer look at this dilemma.
The Risk of the Vaccine
Though Moderna and Pfizer coronavirus vaccines have been approved for use by the FDA in the United States, they pose a certain degree of risk. There have been some health complications and also some deaths in senior citizens who receive the vaccine. Those who are in their 70s, 80s, or older and in poor health should meet with their doctor to determine whether it is a good idea to receive the vaccine.
There is the potential for the vaccine to cause health complications in such elderly and frail individuals simply because a foreign substance is entering the body. Though only one of the vaccines relies on the actual coronavirus to create antibodies that combat the virus, this small amount of the virus has the potential to trigger negative reactions in senior citizens, especially if they are in poor health or are octogenarians or older.
Additional Considerations: Location
Aside from your parent or grandparent’s health and age, his or her location is also worth considering when determining whether it is prudent to get the vaccine. Consider the location of the senior citizen in your life. If this elderly individual lives in downtown Philadelphia or another crowded urban space, he or she is at a heightened risk to contract the virus. It is also worth noting senior citizens who live in hospices, nursing homes, and assisted living centers are in close proximity to others, meaning they are that much more likely to catch the virus as opposed to a senior who lives alone in a secluded suburban Philadelphia home. In short, those who live in areas with a high population density face a heightened risk for contracting the virus and should lean toward getting the vaccine as opposed to those who live in rural areas around Philadelphia where risk is comparably low.
Can Your Loved One Survive the Side Effects?
There are a couple of side effects from the vaccination shot, some of which might pose a threat to your loved one’s well-being. If you suspect your aging relative cannot withstand the pain and swelling resulting from the vaccination shot, it might not be a good idea to be vaccinated. Additional potential side effects include but are not limited to slight fever, fatigue, infection, and headache. Consider the risk of these side effects versus the risk of the virus itself when helping the senior in your life decide whether to be vaccinated.
Aurora Home Care is Here to Help
We are proud to provide comprehensive home health care to locals throughout the greater Philadelphia, Reading, and Lancaster, PA areas. Our goal is to help you to maintain your independence as you age. Reach out to us today to learn more about our home health care services. You can contact our team by dialing 215-354-4444.
