Elderly people with diabetes are at more risk for the development of infections.
Following are the common vaccines for diabetes which are specifically recommended for the elderly:
- Influenza vaccine: All adults, specifically those with diabetes, are recommended to take this vaccine annually. This vaccine fights against sinus and ear infection, pneumonia and bronchitis caused by the influenza virus.
- Pneumococcal vaccines: This is an important vaccine for diabetes especially among the elderly. It works against pneumonia, blood infection, ear and brain infection caused by the pneumococcus. Patients with diabetes should receive a single dose of pneumococcal vaccine, with additional doses after the age of 65 years.
- Hepatitis B vaccine: Hepatitis B virus attacks the liver and may lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection with the hepatitis B virus. All unvaccinated adults with diabetes aged from 18 to 59 years should receive a two or three-dose course of this vaccine. Adults aged 60 years and above should receive Hepatitis B vaccination if they are deemed by their physician to be at high risk of infection. Individuals with diabetes should also receive all other age-appropriate vaccines such as the Tdap vaccine, zoster vaccine etc. as recommended for the general population.
