Sumiko at 62: Why vaccines matter more as we age, and the Big Four you shouldn’t miss
Protecting quality of life starts with four key vaccines: influenza, pneumococcal, shingles and Covid-19.
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For older adults, the benefits of vaccination extend beyond preventing infection.
ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
The second time around, I was better prepared for my shingles vaccination.
The first of the two-dose Shingrix vaccine had kept me awake through the night, so this time I scheduled the jab for the morning rather than the evening, allowing the worst of the side effects to unfold during the day. I kept paracetamol within easy reach and took two tablets as soon as I began to feel unwell. I also drank plenty of water to stay hydrated.
