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Seniors Pay the Highest Price When Politicians Dismiss Healthcare Evidence

Mind your health this fall with this checklist of vaccines and screenings

Sep 11, 2025

9 min

Sue Pimento
Disclaimer: This is an opinion piece. It reflects the author's perspective and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider to discuss your individual health and vaccination needs. If you’re experiencing health issues, don’t rely on blogs (even snappy ones)—rely on a qualified medical professional.


Fall is here. Kids are back in class, pumpkin spice is back in mugs, and—like clockwork—news headlines are back stirring fear and doubt. This season, RFK Jr. is making noise about vaccines, throwing science under the school bus, and leaving some older Canadians wondering: Who should I trust—politics or science?


Spoiler: if you’re betting on politics to keep you healthy, you might as well ask your neighbour’s cat for medical advice.


So, let’s get back to basics: what shots you really need, why the science is solid, why politics muddies the waters, and how you can be your own best health advocate. Oh, and because you know me—I’ll sprinkle in a few “if only” vaccines we all wish existed.


Science vs. Politics: Who Wins?


Science: Vaccines work. They reduce severe illness, save millions of lives, and prevent outbreaks of diseases we thought we’d left in history books. COVID-19 vaccines alone are credited with saving over 1.4 million lives in Europe since 2020.


Vaccines aren’t some modern fad cooked up in a lab—they’ve been saving lives since 1796, when English doctor Edward Jenner made a discovery that led to the first smallpox vaccines, which at the time was one of the deadliest diseases on earth.


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Fast forward to today, and the results speak for themselves. Data from the CDC shows that vaccines have slashed major diseases in the U.S. and Canada to the point where polio and smallpox haven’t been seen in decades—down from tens of thousands of cases every year in the 20th century. Even measles, which has made a resurgence due to rising vaccine skepticism, is still nowhere near the half-million infections Americans used to see annually. Thanks to vaccines, measles, pertussis, mumps, and rubella are now more likely to show up in a history book—or on a pub trivia night—than in your family doctor’s office.


Over a century of data shows that vaccines don’t just work—they’ve rewritten medical history. A landmark CDC study published in JAMA by researchers Sandra W. Roush (MT, MPH) and Trudy V. Murphy, MD, with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia did a major study comparing disease rates before and after vaccines became widespread.  The results were jaw-dropping:


Cases of diphtheria, mumps, pertussis, and tetanus dropped by more than 92%, and deaths by more than 99%.


Endemic polio, measles, and rubella have been eliminated in the U.S and Canada.


Smallpox is gone from the globe.


Even newer vaccines introduced since 1980—like those for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hib, and chickenpox—cut cases and deaths by 80% or more.


The evidence found by the CDC study was so overwhelming that the authors called vaccines “among the greatest achievements of biomedical science and public health” (Source: JAMA, 2007)


The number of cases of most vaccine-preventable diseases is at an all-time low; hospitalizations and deaths have also shown striking decreases. Think about it. When was the last time someone at your dinner table worried about catching smallpox?


Enter RFK Jr., stage left. He has wasted no time since his appointment as US Secretary of Health & Human Services to undermine confidence in the public health system.  His recent moves—firing the CDC director, cutting mRNA funding (even for cancer vaccines!), and gutting expert panels—are sowing doubt faster than a Toronto raccoon opening a green bin.


Even Dr. Martin Makary, Commissioner of Food and Drugs for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recently chimed in with an opinion piece published last week in  The Wall Street Journal. His take? Vaccines should mostly be reserved for high-risk groups, healthy people don’t really need them, and maybe we should start running more placebo trials “just to be sure.” That sounds reasonable until you realize it’s the same playbook RFK Jr. uses: shrink access, shift the burden of proof endlessly, and treat vaccines like optional extras.



When Politics Drowns Out Science, Seniors Pay the Highest Price



When politics drowns out science, we pay the highest price. Because the truth is: our immune systems age just like our knees do—creaky and slower to respond. Vaccines aren’t optional; they’re essential.


Demanding new placebo trials for vaccines we already know work is like asking a baker to prove yeast makes bread rise every single year. And framing vaccines as “only for the sick” ignores the basic truth: when coverage falls, outbreaks rise. Period.



Vaccines for Canadian Adults & Seniors (Source: Health Canada)


Vaccines aren’t just for kids—they’re part of healthy aging, too. Health Canada has issued clear guidelines on which shots adults and seniors should have on their radar, from flu and pneumonia to shingles and RSV. Think of it as a maintenance schedule for your immune system. That said, every person’s health history is unique, so always check with your doctor or healthcare provider before rolling up your sleeve.


Flu shot (Seasonal Influenza Vaccine) – Protects against flu strains that mutate yearly (PHAC – Influenza Vaccine). Everyone should receive it annually; seniors may be eligible for a high-dose version.


Pneumococcal (Pneu-C-20) – Shields you from pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis (PHAC – Pneumococcal Vaccine). One dose at 65+.


Shingles (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine – RZV) – Stops the chickenpox virus (that never left your body) from staging a painful comeback tour (PHAC – Shingles Vaccine Guidance)—two doses, starting at age 50.


Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine) – Protects against lockjaw, a throat infection, and whooping cough (PHAC – Tdap Vaccine). One-time booster, then Tdap every 10 years.


Polio (Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine – IPV) – Keeps polio from making a comeback (PHAC – Polio Vaccine). Needed if you missed doses or travel to outbreak zones.


RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine) – Prevents serious lung infections in older adults (Health Canada – RSV Vaccine Information). Recommended for ages 75+ or in long-term care.


MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine) – Blocks childhood triple threats (PHAC – MMR Vaccine). One dose if born after 1970 and not immune.


Varicella (Chickenpox Vaccine) – For those who have never had chickenpox (PHAC – Varicella Vaccine). Two doses under age 50; For those over 50, the shingles vaccine is recommended.



The Vaccines We Wish Existed


Because let’s face it: medicine has cured smallpox, but not small talk.


RV – Rectitious Vision Correction: For correcting poor attitudes and selective hearing in spouses.


FOMOVAX: Stops the green-eyed monster when your friends are on a Caribbean cruise and you’re at Costco.


TechTonic: For when Zoom won’t unmute and your iPad keeps asking for your “Apple ID you made in 2009.”


EarPeace: Selective hearing—blocks whining, amplifies compliments.


WineNot: The Thanksgiving booster that helps you tolerate in-laws, politics talk, and Uncle Bob’s gravy complaints.


MemoryMap: Protects against the “where did I put my glasses?” epidemic. Spoiler: they’re on your head.


If only. Until then, we’ll have to stick with flu and shingles shots.



Screening Schedule: The Other Half of the Health Checklist


Keeping your health on track sometimes feels like managing a full-time maintenance schedule. After all, the human body has more moving parts than a Canadian Tire catalogue—so of course things need regular tune-ups. If vaccines are like scheduled oil changes for your immune system, screenings are more like the regular safety inspections—checking the brakes, the lights, and making sure nothing rattles when it shouldn’t. Our bodies have a knack for keeping secrets until it’s too late, which is why Health Canada and national guidelines recommend routine checks for cancer, heart health, bone strength, and more. Here’s the recommended Health Canada guidelines—your doctor may adjust based on your risk.:


Cervical (Pap test): Every 3 years, ages 25–69 (CTFPHC – Cervical Cancer Guideline).


Breast (Mammogram): Every 2–3 years, ages 50–74 (CTFPHC – Breast Cancer Screening).


Colorectal (Colonoscopy or FIT test): Every 2 years (FIT) or 10 years (colonoscopy), ages 50–74 (CTFPHC – Colorectal Cancer Screening).


Prostate (PSA test): Discuss with your doctor around age 50 (CTFPHC – Prostate Cancer Guideline).


Lung Cancer Screening: For current/former heavy smokers, typically ages 55–74 (Canadian Partnership Against Cancer – Lung Cancer Screening).


Bone Density (DXA scan): At 65+ or earlier if at risk (Osteoporosis Canada – BMD Testing).


Blood Pressure & Cholesterol: Annual or as needed (Hypertension Canada Guidelines).


Diabetes (A1C test): Every 3 years starting at 40 (Diabetes Canada – Clinical Guidelines).



Your Fall Holistic Health Checklist


Still with me?  Here's a checklist that I personally follow as a seasonal tune-up—part vaccines, part screenings, part lifestyle hacks. It’s not about chasing perfection; it’s about making sure you’ve got the energy to keep doing what you love (and maybe even outpace the grandkids). Whether you’re just easing into retirement, solidly in the groove, or rocking your seventies with style, these age-by-age tips will help you stay sharp, strong, and one step ahead of sneaky health surprises.


Pre-Retirees (55–64)

• Annual flu shot

• Covid-19 shot

• Start shingles series (50+)

• Tdap booster if due

• Immunization catch-up (MMR, polio, varicella)

• Screenings: Pap, mammogram, colon, bloodwork

• Exercise, hydrate, and learn to say no—yes, that’s preventive care too.


Post-Retirees (65+)

• Annual flu shot (high-dose if offered)

• Covid-19 shot

• Pneumococcal vaccine

• RSV vaccine (75+ or communal living)

• Shingles vaccine if not done

• Screenings: colon, prostate, bone density, cholesterol, diabetes

• Keep bones strong: vitamin D, weight training, and occasionally lifting grandkids count.


Active Retirees (70+)

• All of the above

• Review meds and fall-prevention strategies

• Stay social—book clubs, golf leagues, dance classes. Loneliness is a silent epidemic.

• Advocate for friends, spouses, and grandkids—because being the family health quarterback matters.



Your Best Shot: Be Your Own (and Your Community’s) Advocate


Vaccines and screenings are only half the story—the other half is using your voice. Seniors have enormous influence, and when you speak up, policymakers listen. Here are a few ways to make sure your concerns don’t get lost in the shuffle:


Start local. Write a short letter or email to your Member of Parliament, MPP, or Mayor. Personal stories are more powerful than statistics—tell them why vaccines, screenings, and health services matter to you and your community.


Pick up the phone. Constituency offices actually log every call, so even a five-minute conversation with a staffer goes on record. Think of it as Yelp for public policy.


Go public. A letter to the editor in your local paper or a well-placed comment at a town hall gets noticed by decision-makers.


Be persistent (but polite). Politics moves slowly, but steady nudges add up. You don’t need to storm Parliament—just keep knocking on the door.


You’ve spent a lifetime paying taxes, raising families, and building communities—you’ve earned the right to be heard. And let’s be real: nobody wants to mess with a senior who’s got a phone, an email list, and time to follow up.


This fall, don’t let politics steal your peace of mind. Don’t let headlines plant seeds of doubt. Vaccines and screenings aren’t about fear—they’re about freedom: freedom to keep moving, keep laughing, keep living the “Hip, Fit & Financially Free” life you deserve.


And until they invent the "WineNot" booster or the "MemoryMap" shot, your best defence is still the good old-fashioned flu, shingles, and pneumonia vaccines—plus the screening tests that catch sneaky stuff early.


So roll up your sleeve. Book that screening. Be your own health advocate. And while you’re at it, sign your spouse up for the RV shot—because an attitude adjustment should absolutely be a household vaccine.


Stay healthy.


Don't Retire - Rewire!


Sue



Resources


Want to dig deeper? Here are links to a few of my other health and wellness posts where I share practical tips, a little humour, and more ways to keep your retirement years strong, savvy, and stress-free.


> The Retirement Games: From Sprint to Marathon, The New Retirement Reality

> Life Hacks in Retirement: Strategies for Aging Well


Also for each vaccine mentioned, here are some links to trusted sources of information. 

Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before commencing with any treatment.


COVID-19 Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) - COVID-19: Spread, prevention and risks - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks.html


Flu Shot (Seasonal Influenza) Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) – Canadian Immunization Guide, Influenza Chapter: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-10-influenza-vaccine.html


Pneumococcal (Pneu-C-20) PHAC – Canadian Immunization Guide, Pneumococcal Chapter:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-16-pneumococcal-vaccine.html


Shingles (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine – RZV) PHAC – Shingles Vaccine Guidance:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/vaccines-immunization/shingles-vaccine.html


Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) PHAC – Tdap Vaccine - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-21-tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis-vaccine.html


Polio (IPV) PHAC – Polio Vaccine Guidance - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/polio-vaccine.html


RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) - Health Canada – RSV Vaccine Information -

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/vaccines/respiratory-syncytial-virus.html


MMR & Varicella - PHAC – Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella Chapters:

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines.html

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Sue Pimento

Sue Pimento

Founder | CEO

Focused on financial literacy and retirement strategies. Authoring new book on home equity strategies to help seniors find financial freedom

Pension ReformInterest RatesHome EquityMortgagesReverse Mortgages

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Research shows that 91% of older adults in Canada prefer to age at home rather than move to an institution, with 92.1% of Canadian seniors currently living in private dwellings in the community. Honest Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing for Any Type of Loan Wondering if you should take the leap?  Before you even consider signing anything, pour yourself something warm (or stronger) and ask a few honest questions. · Am I emotionally ready, or just tired of worrying about money? · Am I genuinely content to remain in this home forever, or am I romanticizing the past? · Where are interest rates heading — and how will that affect my comfort level? · What exactly do I need cash flow for — income, essentials, opportunities, legacy, or "finally something for ME"? · Have I thought about how this decision might affect my children and inheritance? · What future choices could this create — or prevent? · And the biggest question of all: if Plan A fails, is Plan B truly realistic… or just wearing yoga pants and pretending? Because here's the real truth: the happiest retirees aren't the ones who got lucky — they're the ones who used their luck with purpose, timing, and emotional clarity. Bloom's lifetime reverse mortgage isn't a miracle cure, nor is it a trap. It's simply one tool — and for the right person, it provides emotional stability and financial predictability. Here's What Matters Before you sign for a reverse mortgage, HELOCs, or anything else with an acronym and a sales commission attached, here's my professional advice: Get the full picture so you can make decisions that truly work for your life — not merely to meet someone else's sales quota.  The "best" financial move isn't the one that appears impressive on a spreadsheet. It's the one that allows you to sleep peacefully at night. The one that grounds you emotionally and supports you financially. Retirement isn't the end of the story. It's the chapter where you finally get to blend strategy with self-awareness, confidence with clarity, and luck with a bit of laughter. And if life insists on being unpredictable? Then outsmart it, outlaugh it, and choose the equity tools that help your future self say, "Nice move." Love, Aunt Equity" aka Sue "Don't Retire… ReWire!!!" Want to become an expert on serving the senior demographic? Just message me to be notified about the next opportunity to become a "Certified Equity Advocate" — mastering solution-based advising that transforms how you work with Canada's fastest-growing client segment.

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