Q. My elderly parents are relatively healthy. They live on their own and can navigate their lives with little help. While I’m grateful that my parents are doing so well at their age, I still get concerned about their health. My daughter is expecting her first baby later this month. My daughter has expressed concern over my parents, her grandparents, meeting their first great-grandchild because she’s a first-time mom and worried about protecting the health of her newborn. She and I have noticed a lot of advertisements about whooping cough, and with-it being flu season, my daughter doesn’t want her newborn exposed to harmful germs over the holiday season. Her concern has me concerned over the health of my aging parents. What vaccines should they be receiving in order to protect this grandchild? How do I approach the topic without hurting feelings?
A. Congratulations on the soon—to-be grandchild! Your family must be ecstatic, and to have a newborn around for the holiday season just makes the holidays even more special.
Regarding vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list of vaccine recommendations for adults over the age of 50. All adults, regardless of age, should receive the seasonal flu vaccine yearly. Although doctors recommend getting your flu shot before the end of October, the flu vaccine can be received at any point during the flu season. Seniors especially should receive the flu vaccine in order to prevent further complications from the flu virus, should they contact it.
The CDC also recommends that all adults also receive the Tdap vaccine. This is a one-time vaccine that protects against whooping cough, and then the Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every ten years. Other vaccines that your parents shouldn’t miss include the Shingles vaccine (recommended for adults at the age of 50 or older), and pneumococcal vaccines (recommended for adults over the age of 65).
You and your daughter are very wise to prioritize this little one’s health and well-being. You mentioned that your parents are relatively healthy and still independent. I would suggest sitting down with them and having an open and honest conversation about your concerns. Open communication is the best way to approach this topic. Present the CDC vaccine recommendations to your parents. You can even say that you were surprised to learn that even you needed to receive a Td booster for the sake of your grandchild. Then, ask your parents to check with their primary care physician regarding their immunization records. In addition to vaccinations, remind your parents to wash their hands often, especially before holding their new great-grandchild. If they aren’t feeling well or have a cough, ask them to wear a face mask when your daughter and newborn visit, to ensure everyone’s health and well-being.
Finally, encourage your daughter to have a conversation with her baby’s pediatrician regarding visiting elderly grandparents. The pediatrician can provide other tips to protect this baby’s health so that your entire family can enjoy the holiday season with the newest member of your family.
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