Even as India started the vaccination program for children between 15-18 years of age, the government also announced booster shots for seniors above 60 with co-morbidities. The booster vaccination drive for older adults started on 10th January 2022. Seniors above 60 whose two doses of vaccinations are complete will receive an SMS to remind them of taking the booster shot. This is regarded as a precautionary measure against the new variant – Omicron, which is considered to be highly contagious.
The new virus is a potential threat for people with weak immunity – particularly elders. Seniors coping with co-morbidities such as blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, etc., tend to experience the greater impact of the Omicron. It is always good to practice COVID-19 safety protocols to prevent the virus from reaching to any seniors in your home or community.
Here are some precautions that you need to take for senior citizens so as they don’t contract the Omicron variant
The DO’s:
- Masks made of cloth and similar other materials should be avoided as Omicron is highly infectious
- Use only N95 or surgical masks to prevent the disease
- Proper ventilation and using effective air purifiers help to eliminate the risk of infection
- Booster shots should be taken whenever they are introduced for people above 60 years
- Follow every COVID-19 preventive protocol without any excuses
- Wearing a facemask, washing hands and getting vaccinated prove immensely effective in preventing this variant.
- Always keep your surroundings clean.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle
The DON’Ts
- Don’t distance yourself from your elders completely. They need company and human touch as much as you do
- Follow safety measures, but it would be inhuman to block them completely
- If any senior family member is isolating, do not make them feel alone
- Talk to them as much as you can. Social interactions give comfort and make one feel light
- Don’t panic if a senior member of your family has contracted the disease. There is a wealth of treatment options available today. Seek effective treatment immediately.
Omicron and Senior Citizens – why is it more severe for them?
All the vaccinated senior citizens and older adults have better outcomes than unvaccinated senior citizens. According to the research by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), senior citizens and older adults are at a higher risk of illness and death. Because senior citizens have a weaker immune system, the vaccines do not have as much effect as they would have on young people.
Their bodies will not be able to do a powerful job at making antibodies. To make sure you are as safe as you can be from the virus, the best way to do it is to get vaccinated. It is also recommended to get a booster shot to give your immunity the boost that it needs. As a senior citizen, you will have to follow strict precautionary measures to be safe from Omicron and the other variants of the coronavirus.
If any older member in your family or someone senior you know in the neighbourhood is showing symptoms of the variant, make sure they receive proper care and treatment. Make sure seniors, especially those with co-morbidities, receive their booster shots. To get the vaccination, you can easily search for the nearest Apollo Vaccination Centre and stay protected from the virus.