Residents at Andrews Senior Care received their flu and COVID vaccinations recently, with clinics running at all our homes throughout October.

Mickey Brennan, a resident at our Stratford home, has been getting her annual flu shot since 2001. At the time, Mickey was undergoing treatment for breast cancer and knowing her immune system was weakened prompted her to start being more proactive about her health.

“As you age, not only from previous illnesses, but naturally your immune system gets depleted and it’s not as strong as it once was,” Mickey said. “If you get ahead of serious illnesses like influenza and COVID and seasonal viruses, it’s much to your advantage to have the head start of having vaccinations and your boosters.”

She added, she’s also been getting her annual COVID vaccination since the vaccine became available in December 2020.

“I’m the poster girl for vaccinations,” she said. “I’ve always had my flu shot, I’ve always taken the advice of the professionals and got boosters, especially when COVID hit. I’m 85 years of age and there’s no question my good health at this point is due to being proactive.”

Resident Betty Madren, a retired nurse, got her flu and COVID vaccinations in early October. She’s always been an advocate of getting the annual shot and has been the benefits with her own health.

“I’ve always had flu shots,” she said. “I’ve always had good results. I’ve stayed away pretty well from all flu and bugs that’s have been around. I haven’t had anything serious.”

Betty is appreciative the vaccinations are available in-house at Andrews.

“I’m very grateful for where I am,” she said. “We get everything we need. We’re treated very well here.”

Seniors are encouraged to get their flu and COVID vaccinations, regardless of existing health.

“It is important to build a tolerance to mitigate the exponential rate in which the influenza can have effect in a vulnerable population with a higher risk of contraction and a lower recovery expectation that can be related to a lower immune system and recovery time,” said Natacha Landry, LPN and Director of Care at Andrews of Parkhill. “Studies have also shown a higher morbidity rate amongst seniors hospitalized with influenza versus the recovery of those that have contracted but have had the vaccine.”

Seniors can take additional steps to guard against infection, including staying active, protecting one’s self in high traffic areas or in a community living setting where people congregate by wearing a mask. Likewise, regular and frequent hand washing or sanitizing, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of fluid, maintaining a proper sleep routine and resting throughout the day. Rescheduling visits or restricting ill visitors to avoid getting one sick or risking yourself getting sick is also advised.

Andrews’ nursing teams administered and oversaw all vaccinations for residents.