An older adult client is visiting the physician’s office for a check-u

An older adult client is visiting the physician’s office for a check-up. The client asks the nurse how often the influenza and pneumonia vaccines should be obtained. The nurse responds to the client that these vaccinations should be done:

1. Every 6 months
2. Annually
3. Every 5 years
4. Every 7 years

ANSWER

ANS: 2
Older adults should be counseled to receive annual influenza and pneumonia vaccinations. It is not necessary to receive these vaccinations every 6 months. The influenza and pneumonia vac-cines should be obtained annually in the older adult because of their greater susceptibility to res-piratory tract infection. It is recommended that older adults receive the influenza and pneumonia vaccines annually because they have a greater susceptibility to respiratory tract infection.