THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 15, 2020 Page 15 aavvyvy S avy niororeniioor io by Jim Miller Do Pneumonia Vaccines Protect Seniors from Coronavirus? D Pi V i Dear Savvy Senior, Do currently off ered vaccines against pneumonia provide seniors any protection against the coronavirus disease? I’ve always been bad about getting vaccinated, but this coronavirus pandemic is causing me to change my thinking. Pro-Vax Patty Dear Patty, This is a great question. Because the coronavirus (COVID-19) attacks the lungs and respiratory system, many readers have asked whether the pneumonia vaccines, which are administered to millions of patients each year, might protect someone if they contract the coronavirus. But unfortunately, the answer is no. Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus infl uenza type B vaccine, do not provide protection against the new coronavirus. This virus is so new and diff erent that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are in the process of rapidly developing a vaccine again st COVID-19, but it is expected to take at least a year before it’s ready. Having said that, you should also know that there are several other important vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all seniors should get up to date on after the coronavirus pandemic dies down. Here’s a rundown of what they are, when you should get them, and how they’re covered by Medicare. Flu vaccine: While annual fl u shots are recommended each fall to everyone, they are very important for older adults to get because seniors have a much greater risk of developing dangerous fl u complications. According to the CDC, last year up to 647,000 people were hospitalized and 61,200 died because of the fl u – most of whom were age 65 and older. To improve your chances of escaping the seasonal fl u, this September or October consider a vaccine specifi cally designed for people 65 and older. The Fluzone High Dose or FLUAD are the two options that provide extra protection beyond what a standard fl u shot off ers. And all fl u shots are covered under Medicare Part B. Pneumococcal vaccine: As previously stated, this vaccine protects against pneumonia, which hospitalizes around 250,000 Americans and kills about 50,000 each year. It’s recommended that all seniors, 65 or older, get two separate vaccines – PCV13 (Prevnar 13) and PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23). Both vaccines, which are administered one year apart, protect against diff erent strains of the bacteria to provide maximum protection. Medicare Part B covers both shots if they are taken at least a year apart. Shingles vaccine: Caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that aff ects more than 1 million Americans every year. All people over age 50 should get the new Shingrix vaccine, which is given in two doses, two to six months apart. Even if you’ve already had shingles, you should still get this vaccination because reoccurring cases are possible. The CDC also recommends that anyone previously vaccinated with Zostavax be revaccinated with Shingrix because it’s signifi cantly more eff ective. All Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover shingles vaccinations, but coverage amounts, and reimbursement rules vary depending on where the shot is given. Check your plan. Tdap vaccine: A one-time dose of the Tdap vaccine, which covers tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) is recommended to all adults. If you’ve already had a Tdap shot, you should get a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) booster shot every 10 years. All Medicare Part D prescription drug plans cover these vaccinations. Other vaccinations: Depending on your health conditions, preferences, age and future travel schedule, the CDC off ers a “What Vaccines Do You Need?” quiz at www2.CDC.gov/nip/ adultimmsched to help you determine what additional vaccines may be appropriate for you. You should also talk to your doctor during your next visit about which vaccinations you should get. To locate a site that offers any of these vaccines, visit VaccineFinder.org and type in your location. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Tailored for Success goes virtual S ince July 2000, Tailored for Success (TFS) has been serving the Malden community. To date, TFS has served over 10,000 job seekers with high-quality career development services. TFS’s physical doors are closed but its virtual doors are open! To help job seekers prepare for upcoming interviews and to help them network in these challenging times, TFS off ers the following services. Styled by You! Although the Career Closet Program is unable to serve job seekers in person, TFS is developing a series of videos to help job seekers style themselves. The videos will help you put together business casual outfi ts, formal interview outfi ts and much more! Virtual Networking & Interviewing. Interviewing will be much diff erent in this new normal. There will be more reliance on virtual interviewing by phone, Zoom, Skype, etc. Learn the tips and techniques to help you stand out. Notices of upcoming webinars will be announced on TFS’s Facebook & LinkedIn Groups. The groups will also have useful articles and tips to help your job search. Career Navigator. Subscribe to TFS’s e-Newsletter. Every week there will be tips and strategies you can use now to help you in your job search, learn salary negotiation and network. To subscribe, send an email to tailoredforsuccessinc@gmail.com. About Tailored for Success, Inc. TFS is a Malden-based 501 (c) OBITUARY Robert E. Patrie Of Winthrop, formerly of Malden, passed away on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Longtime partner of Frances Spinazzola. Devoted father of Robert Patrie Jr. and wife Sherri of Wilmington, Laurie Cooley and husband George of Stoneham, Steve Patrie and wife Theresa of Lynn, and the late John Patrie. Dear brother of Paul Patrie and wife Linda of Malden, Janet Lanni and husband Jack of Malden, Judy Berry of Malden, and the late George Patrie and late wife Constance. Cherished grandfather "Grumpy" of Ryan Patrie and wife Ashley, Kyle Patrie, Justin Patrie, Timothy Patrie, Cory D'Entremont, Jessica Todd and husband Cody, Cameron D'Entremont, Steven Patrie, Andrew Patrie, and Matthew Patrie. Beloved great-grandfather of Jameson and Adalyne. Former husband of the late Loretta Patrie. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. In accordance with the CDC, Mass. Department of Public Health, Archdiocese of Boston guidelines and local restrictions on gatherings and congregations due to COVID-19, all services will be held for the immediate family privately. If you have any questions or would like to express your condolences please contact the funeral home during normal business hours or leave a message for the family on the tribute wall. Robert was the owner of Delta Fuel Oil Company. He was also a Paul Revere bus driver. Robert was a coach for Malden Pop Warner and Little League. He founded the Golden Tornadoes Booster Club. Robert was also a member of the Winthrop Elks. Robert will be laid to rest at Winthrop Cemetery, Belle Isle section, Winthrop. Space for Lease 3 Large Rooms, each with Large Walk-in Storage Area. or Aerobics Studio. Located at Route 1 South at Walnut Street. Rollerworld Plaza, Route 1 South, 425 Broadway, Saugus. Call Michelle at: 781-233-9507 (3) not-for-profi t organization that has been serving communities in Greater Boston since 2000. The mission of TFS is to empower job seekers to become economically self-suffi - cient by providing resources, skills training and supportive reinforcement. TFS has developed an expertise in specialized workforce development programs and remains committed to moving job seekers from dependency to economic self-suffi ciency by enhancing their self-esteem, self-confi dence and skills. For more information about TFS programs and services or to donate to support the organization’s work, visit www.tailoredforsuccess.org, follow Facebook – TailoredForSuccess – or Twitter at @_tailored4.
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