-
George Washington third grade choir performed during a meeting of the Bryan County Retired Educators. Photos provided -
Melissa Locke, district nurse manager for Region 9 of the Oklahoma State Health Department, spoke to Bryan County Retired Educators about senior adult immunizations.
For many schools in Oklahoma, March means Spring Break. However, Bryan County Retired Educators held their March meeting to hear young singers, vaccination education for senior citizens, and legislative updates from Oklahoma Retired Educators.
George Washington Third Grade Choir under the direction of Ms. Miranda Palmer enthusiastically serenaded those attending with a trio of Disney tunes. In appreciation, a donation was made to the music program.
On a more serious “note,” Melissa Locke; BSN, RN, and District Nurse Manager for Region 9 of the Oklahoma State Health Department; informed members about senior adult immunizations. Although influenza vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged six months and older, people over sixty-five years are at higher risk for flu complications. Now there is a High-Dose Vaccine for those over sixty-five; it contains four times the antigens to ward off the flu.
The pneumococcal vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20) is another recommendation. If PCV15 is given, a follow up dose of PPSV23 a year later is suggested. These vaccines will only protect against bacterial pneumonia, not the viral variety.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus is often thought of a disease for babies and children, but people of all ages can contract RSV. The CDC recommends adults sixty-five or older receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine.
Other disease concerns are tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. The TDAP vaccine protects against all of the three diseases mentioned. The TDAP vaccine is recommended for adults who have contact with babies and young children. A TD booster dose for tetanus and diphtheria is suggested every ten years or after five years after a severe wound or burn.
Shingles vaccine is vital for those over 50. Two doses of Shingrix should be administered two to six months apart for effectiveness. Even if you have had shingles in the past, received Zostavax, or experienced chicken pox or the varicella vaccine, getting the Shingrix vaccine is the best option.
Whether young or “older,” people are advised to receive one dose of the updated mRNA Covid-19 vaccine. Everyone over sixty-five years should receive an additional dose of any 2023-2024 updated formula.
Additional vaccines to consider are those for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). The vaccine for measles has been seen as a “vaccine success story.” Oklahoma currently is “measles free.” Florida, however, has see a flood of cases.
Before seeking any vaccinations, be certain to consult your health care provider.
Next on the meeting agenda was Brenda Calahan, Southeast District Director for Oklahoma Retired Educators. Ms. Calahan urged members to contact their legislators about a COLA (cost of living) bill. HB1277 originally called for a 2% raise for retirees. Amended it allows for a 4% COLA if the pension fund ratio remains over 80%. If not, 2% will be given to retirees.
Two other bills are of great concern to all OREA members. SB1513 prohibits any professional educational association from meeting in any school facility. This bill also prohibits any association communications or solicitations, written or verbal, on school property. SB1625 forbids allowing any payroll deduction plan for professional education associations to continue.
Every retired educator from Oklahoma or any other state is invited to attend the April 19th meeting, 11:00AM, Roma Italian Restaurant. Speakers planned are Oklahoma State Representative Justin Humphrey and Silo DISD Superintendent Kate McDonald.