Your immune system needs exercise. Immunizations provide the training program.

A nurse holds a vial of COVID-19 vaccine and syringe. (Getty Images)

Don’t let COVID-19 be an obstacle to your health: your immune system needs exercise just like your body.

Running a Spartan Race is a test of both endurance and courage. If you haven’t experienced the adrenaline rush of conquering a Spartan Race, let me tell you that they are crazy fun: a grueling obstacle course, ranging from a 5K Sprint to a staggering 30-mile Ultra, with 20 to over 70 obstacles demanding feats of strength, mental stamina, and, of course, plenty of mud. To complete one has an unparalleled sense of accomplishment which requires hours and hours of proactive training to finish healthy and strong.

But what does a Spartan Race have to do with immunizations? Much like preparing for a Spartan Race, getting immunized is a proactive way to keep your immune system healthy and strong. Vaccines serve as the training regimen for our immune system, ensuring it’s primed and ready to defend against infectious diseases. And just like how we sometimes need to ramp up our workout routine with a “booster session,” our immunity may require strengthening through booster or updated vaccines. This becomes particularly crucial as we age. Beyond the age of 50, our immune system gradually loses its ability to efficiently fight off infection, leaving us more susceptible to illness. The risk increases with each passing year, making older adults prime targets for illnesses like influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and notably, COVID-19.

In February 2024, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which comprises of medical and public health experts, met to reassess vaccination strategies and formulate up-to-date vaccination recommendations for everyone. During this meeting, ACIP recommended that adults aged 65 and above should receive an additional dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. This recommendation was based on the heightened susceptibility of older individuals to severe COVID-19 outcomes (death and hospitalization), compounded by diminishing waning of immunity from the previous vaccine. Data shows, individuals aged 65 and above are twice as likely to die from COVID-19 compared to younger people, which increases to 10 times for those aged 75 and older. Furthermore, more than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations during the last quarter of 2023 occurred in this age group, highlighting their heightened vulnerability.

The revised guideline recommends that individuals over 65 should receive one additional updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine if it has been four months since their last dose. It’s a proactive measure aimed at fortifying immunity against emerging variants and preserving overall health. So, I urge you to consult your health care provider if you qualify for an additional COVID-19 shot. By doing so, you not only safeguard yourself but also help keep others around you safe and healthy by preventing the spread of the virus.

Much like preparing for a Spartan Race, vaccinations are an essential training program for your immune system; they equip the body to tackle whatever obstacles come its way.  Strengthening your immunity through vaccination is an investment in your well-being.

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