If you have a medical condition, an infectious disease can be more severe than in a healthy person. As we get older (over the age of 60), the immune system declines somewhat, increasing the risk of becoming seriously ill. Additional vaccinations may then be recommended.
Flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination
Influenza and COVID-19 are caused by a virus. Some people are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19. There are vaccines for the flu and COVID-19. These vaccines help your body produce antibodies against the virus, reducing your chances of getting sick. If you do get sick, the symptoms are often less severe.
People who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19:
- People with heart problems
- People with lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, or COPD
- People with diabetes
- People with kidney problems
- People with a weakened immune system
- Pregnant people
- People above the age of 60
Public Health Bonaire annually offers the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination to individuals who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu or COVID-19.
The flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination are free of charge for individuals who are at increased risk of becoming ill.
Pneumococcal vaccination
Pneumococcus is a bacterium. Pneumococci can cause pneumonia. Some people are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from this bacterium. The best way to prevent pneumococcal disease is through vaccination. The vaccination helps your body produce antibodies against the bacterium, reducing your chances of becoming ill. If you do become ill, the symptoms are often less severe.
People with an increased chance of becoming ill from pneumococci:
- People aged 60 and over
- People with a compromised immune system
- People who have sustained lung damage due to COVID-19
You can receive the pneumococcal vaccination through your GP.
The pneumococcal vaccination is free of charge for people who are at increased risk of becoming ill from pneumococci.
Shingles vaccination
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus as chickenpox. Some people are at higher risk of shingles; these include the elderly, people with a weakened immune system, and people with HIV. For these groups, vaccination can be beneficial to protect against shingles and severe symptoms caused by shingles. Even if someone in these groups has previously had shingles, vaccination can be useful to prevent a new shingles infection.
You can receive the shingles vaccination through your GP.
The shingles vaccination is only reimbursed for people with a weakened immune system or HIV. Do you wish to get vaccinated due to your age or for other reasons? Then you must pay for the vaccination yourself. The shingles vaccination costs approximately 360 dollars per dose. A vaccination series consists of 2 doses.
