How effective is the shingles vaccine and what is the CDC's recommendation for getting it? My older siblings, both in their fifties, contracted COVID a few months back followed by shingles. Do you know if there is a connection between these viruses, and would the shingles vaccine have protected them?

Many healthcare professionals across the country have been urging their older patients to get the shingles vaccine (in addition to the COVID-19 vaccinations) during the pandemic because getting COVID-19 can increase your chances of developing shingles. The more severe case of COVID you get, the greater your risk for shingles.

The reason for this is because when you contract COVID-19 your immune system becomes compromised fighting off the virus, which gives shingles – a virus that already exists in your body if you have had chickenpox – a chance to reactivate.

Here is what you should know about shingles, the shingles vaccine, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.

What are Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a burning, blistering skin rash that affects around one million Americans each year. The same virus that causes chickenpox causes shingles. The chickenpox virus that most people contract as children never leaves the body. Rather, it hides in the nerve cells near the spinal cord and for some people, it will emerge later in the form of shingles.

In the U.S., about one out of every three people will develop shingles during their lifetime. While anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, it most commonly occurs in people over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems. However, the virus is not contagious and it is not possible to catch shingles from someone else.

Early signs of the disease include pain, itching or tingling before a blistering rash appears several days later, and can last up to four weeks. The rash typically occurs on one side of the body, often as a band of blisters that extends from the middle of your back around to the breastbone. It can also appear above an eye or on the side of the face or neck.

In addition to the rash, about 20% to 25% of those who get shingles go on to develop severe nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN) that can last for several months or even years. In some rare cases, shingles can also cause strokes, encephalitis, spinal cord damage and vision loss.

Shingles Vaccine

The vaccine for shingles called Shingrix (see Shingrix.com) provides much better protection than the old shingles vaccine, Zostavax.

Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, Shingrix is 97% effective in preventing shingles in people 50 to 69 years old, and 91% effective in those 70 and older.

Shingrix also does a terrific job of preventing nerve pain that continues after a shingles rash has cleared – about 90% effective.

Because of this protection, the CDC recommends that everyone age 50 and older, receive the Shingrix vaccine, which is given in two doses, separated by two to six months.

Even if you have already had shingles, these vaccinations are still essential given that reoccurring cases are a possibility. The CDC also recommends that anyone previously vaccinated with Zostavax be revaccinated with Shingrix.

It is important to note that Shingrix can cause some adverse side effects for some people, including muscle pain, fatigue, headache, fever and upset stomach.

Shingrix – which averages around $205 for both doses – is covered by most private health insurance plans including Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, but there may be a cost to you depending on your plan. Contact your insurer to find out.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

What is the best way to deal with older drivers who probably should not be driving anymore? My dad, who is 86, is determined to keep driving as long as he can.

For many families, talking to an elderly parent about giving up their car keys can be a very difficult and sensitive topic. While there is no one way to handle this issue, here are a few suggestions that can help you evaluate your dad's driving and ease him out from behind the wheel when the time is right.

Take a Ride

To get a clear picture of your dad's driving abilities, a good first step is to take a ride with him and watch for problem areas. For example, does he have difficulty seeing, backing up or changing lanes? Does he react slowly, get confused easily or make poor driving decisions? Does he drive at inappropriate speeds, tailgate or drift between lanes? Also, has your dad had any fender benders or tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on his vehicle? These, too, are red flags.

If your dad is willing, consider hiring a driver rehabilitation specialist who is trained to evaluate elderly drivers and provide safety suggestions. This type of assessment typically costs between $200 and $400. Use your preferred search engine to locate a professional in your area.

Transitioning and Talking

After your assessment, if you think it is still safe for your dad to drive, see if he would be willing to take a refresher course for older drivers.

These courses will show him how aging affects driving skills and offers tips and adjustments to help keep him safe. Taking a class may also earn your dad a discount on his auto insurance. Most courses cost between $20 to $30 and can be taken online.

If, however, your assessment shows that your dad really does need to stop driving, it is best to sit down with your dad and have a rational conversation about his safety and the safety of others on the road. Start by simply expressing your concern for his safety as opposed to beginning with a dramatic outburst.

For more tips on how to talk to your dad about this and evaluate his driving skills, the Hartford Financial Services Group and MIT AgeLab offers a variety of resources to assist you.

Refuses to Quit

If your dad refuses to quit, you have several options. One possible solution is to suggest a visit with his doctor who can give him a medical evaluation, and if warranted, "prescribe" that he stops driving. Older people will often listen to their doctor before they will listen to their own family.

If he still refuses, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles to see if they can help. You may also call in an attorney to discuss with your dad the potential financial and legal consequences of a crash or injury. If all else fails, you may just have to take away his keys.

Alternative Transportation

Once your dad stops driving, he is going to need other ways to get around. Help him create a list of names and phone numbers of family, friends and local transportation services that he can call on.

To find out what transportation services are available in your dad's area, use your preferred search engine to look up an agency on aging for assistance.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

What is the IRS standard tax deduction for 2021? I did not file a tax return last tax year because I lost my job and my income in March due to COVID. I got a part-time job in 2021 and am wondering if I made enough money that requires me to file this year.

Whether or not you are required to file a federal income tax return this year depends not only on how much you earned last year (in 2021), but also the source of that income, as well as your age and your filing status.

Here is a rundown of this tax season's IRS tax filing requirement thresholds. For most people, this is pretty straightforward. If your 2021 gross income – which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately – was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you may not have to file. But if it is over, you will have to file.

• Single: $12,550 ($14,250 if you are age 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2022).
• Married filing jointly: $25,100 ($26,450 if you or your spouse is age 65 or older; or $27,800 if you are both over age 65).
• Married filing separately: $5 at any age.
• Head of household: $18,800 ($20,500 if age 65 or older).
• Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $25,100 ($26,450 if age 65 or older).

To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requirements, along with information on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the "1040 and 1040-SR Instructions for Tax Year 2021," or you can get it online at IRS.gov.

Check Here Too

You also need to be aware that there are other financial situations that can require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-employment in 2021, owe any special taxes like an alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled in a Health Insurance Marketplace plan, you will need to file.

You will also need to file if you are receiving Social Security benefits, and one-half of your benefits plus your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you are married and filing jointly.

The IRS offers an online tax tool that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you are required to file, or if you should file because you are due a refund.

You can access this tool at IRS.gov/Help/ITA – click on "Do I Need to File a Tax Return?" Or you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040.

Check Your State

Even if you are not required to file a federal tax return this year, do not assume that you are also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you are entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/state-tax-agencies.

Tax Prep Assistance

If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can file for free through the IRS at IRS.gov/FreeFile if your 2021 adjusted gross income was below $73,000.

If you need some help, contact the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TCE provides free tax preparation and counseling to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/freetaxprep to locate services near you.

You can also get tax preparation assistance through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide service. Call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp for more information.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

Can you give me a brief rundown of Medicare's enrollment choices along with when and how to sign-up?

The rules and timetables for Medicare enrollment can be confusing to many new retirees, so it is wise to plan ahead. Here is a simplified rundown of what to know.

First, a quick review. Remember that original Medicare has two parts: Part A provides hospital coverage and is free for most people. Part B covers doctor's visits and other medical services, and costs $170.10 per month for most enrollees in 2021.

When to Enroll

Everyone is eligible for Medicare at age 65, even if your full Social Security retirement age is 66 or later.

You can enroll any time during the "initial enrollment period," which is a seven-month period that includes the three months before, the month of, and the three months after your 65th birthday. It is best to enroll three months before your birth month to ensure your coverage starts when you turn 65.

If you happen to miss the seven-month sign-up window for Medicare Part B, you will have to wait until the next "general enrollment period" which runs from January 1 to March 31 with benefits beginning the following July 1. You will also incur a 10 % penalty for each year you wait beyond your initial enrollment period, which will be tacked on to your monthly Part B premium. You can sign up for premium-free Part A, at any time with no penalty.

Working Exceptions

Special rules apply if you are eligible for Medicare and still working. If you have health insurance coverage through your employer or your spouse's employer, and the company has 20 or more employees, you have a "special enrollment period" during which you may sign up. This means that you can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B and will not be subject to the 10 % late-enrollment penalty, so long as you sign up within eight months of losing that coverage.

Drug Coverage

Be aware that original Medicare does not cover prescription medications. If you do not have creditable drug coverage from an employer or union, you will need to buy a Part D drug plan from a private insurance company (see Medicare.gov/plan-compare) during your initial enrollment if you want coverage. If you enroll later, you will incur a premium penalty – 1% of the average national premium ($33 in 2022) for every month you do not have coverage.

Supplemental Coverage

If you choose original Medicare, it is also a good idea to get a Medigap (Medicare supplemental) policy within six months after enrolling in Part B in order to help pay for items that are not covered by Medicare such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. See Medicare.gov/medigap-supplemental-insurance-plans to shop and compare policies.

All-In-One Plans

Instead of getting original Medicare, plus a Part D drug plan and a Medigap policy, you could sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that covers everything in one plan (see Medicare.gov/plan-compare). Nearly half of all new Medicare enrollees are signing up for Advantage plans.

These plans, which are also sold by insurance companies, are generally available through HMOs and PPOs and often have cheaper premiums. However, the deductibles and co-pays are usually higher. Many of these plans also provide coverage for extra services not offered by original Medicare such as dental, hearing and vision coverage along with gym/fitness memberships. Most plans also include prescription drug coverage.

How to Enroll

If you are already receiving your Social Security benefits before age 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Part A and Part B. You will receive your Medicare card about three months before your 65th birthday. It will also include instructions on how to return it if you have work coverage that qualifies you for late enrollment.

If you are not receiving Social Security, you will need to enroll either online at SSA.gov/medicare or over the phone at 800-772-1213.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

My spouse and I would like to make some affordable changes to our home so we can remain living there for as long as possible. Can you recommend some good resources that can help us determine what all we need to consider?

Many older adults want to stay living in their own home for as long as possible. But being able to do so will depend on how easy it is to maneuver your living space as you get older. Here are some helpful resources you can turn to, to get an idea of the different types of features and improvements that will make your house safer and more convenient as you grow older.

Home Evaluation

A good first step in making your home more age-friendly is to do an assessment. Go through your house, room-by-room, looking for problem areas like potential tripping or slipping hazards, as well as areas that are hard to access and difficult to maintain. To help with this, there are several organizations that have aging-in-place checklists that point out potential problems in each area of the home, along with modification and solutions.

You will want to get a copy of AARP's "HomeFit Guide." This excellent 36-page guide has more than 100 aging-in-place tips and suggestions that can be made to an existing house or apartment or incorporated into designs for a new residence.

It explains how a smartly designed or modified home can meet the varied and changing needs of its older residents. It also features easy-to-do, low-cost and no-cost fixes that lessen the risk of trip hazards and increase the safety of high-use areas like the bathroom, kitchen and stairway.

In addition, they also offer videos and a HomeFit AR app (available for iPhone and iPad) that can scan a room and suggest improvements to help turn your house into a "lifelong home," free from safety and mobility risks.

Visit AARP.org/HomeFit to order or download a free copy of this guide, or to watch their videos.

In-Home Assessments

If you want some personalized help, you can get a professional in-home assessment performed with an occupational therapist.

An occupational therapist, or OT, can evaluate the challenges and shortcomings of your home, recommend design and modification solutions and introduce you to products and services to help you make improvements.

To find an OT in your area, check with your physician, health insurance provider or local hospital, or seek recommendations from family and friends. Many health insurance providers, including Medicare, will pay for a home assessment by an OT if prescribed by your doctor. However, they will not cover the physical upgrades to the home.

Another option is to contact a builder who's a Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS). CAPS are home remodelers and design-build professionals that are knowledgeable about aging in place home modifications and can suggest ways to modify or remodel your home that will fit your needs and budget. CAPS are generally paid by the hour or receive a flat fee per visit or project. To locate CAPS in your area, you can obtain their contact information by using your preferred search engine.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.

In IR-2022-25 the Internal Revenue Service explained the latest strategies that fraudsters use to steal identities. With the tax filing season in full swing, taxpayers need to be on guard for strategies that may involve a text message, email, phone call or potential unemployment fraud.

IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig stated, "With the filing season underway, this is a prime period for identity thieves to hit people with realistic-looking emails and texts about their tax returns and refunds. Watching out for these common scams can keep people from becoming victims of identity theft, and protect their sensitive personal information that can be used to file tax returns and steal refunds."

1. Text Message Scams -- There has been an uptick in text messages that claim to represent the IRS. The fraudulent messages frequently have links to bogus IRS websites. The IRS emphasizes that it does not use text messages other than the IRS Secure Access service. The IRS also will not send text messages through social media.

If you receive a text message that claims to be from the IRS, you should take a screen shot and send it to phishing@IRS.gov. State the date and time you received the text message and your phone number. You can take a screen shot on an iPhone 13 by simultaneously clicking and releasing the side button and volume button. On other smartphone models, you may click the side button and home button or the top button and home button at the same time. The screen shot may then be accessed through your photos to email to phishing@IRS.gov.

2. Unemployment Fraud -- There is a surge in the efforts by organized crime rings to steal identities and file fraudulent unemployment claims with state agencies. Your state office will then issue IRS Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments to the recipient and the IRS. If you receive a fraudulent or inaccurate Form 1099-G, you should report it to the state agency and obtain a corrected Form 1099-G. For information on unemployment fraud, go to DOL.gov/fraud. If you receive any communication from a state agency about an unemployment claim that you did not file or a notice from your employer about an unemployment claim that is improper, you should also report it on that same fraud page.

3. Email Phishing Scams -- The IRS emphasizes that it does not contact taxpayers through email to request personal or financial information. If you receive an unsolicited email, do not click on any links within it. Send the email as an attachment to phishing@IRS.gov. The Report Phishing and Online Scams webpage at IRS.gov provides additional information.

4. Phone Scams -- The IRS notes that it does not leave urgent or threatening messages on your phone or voicemail. Scammers will frequently threaten victims with arrest. They may also claim that law enforcement will be sent to your door, you could be deported or your driver's license could be revoked. It is possible to fake or "spoof" caller ID numbers. The scammer may attempt to spoof the caller ID number of a sheriff's office, a department of motor vehicles or a federal agency. The IRS emphasizes it will never call and demand payment through a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. It will also not ask for a credit or debit card over the phone.

If you receive a threatening call and do not owe taxes, hang up the phone. You can report the caller ID and callback number on phishing@IRS.gov. You may also report the call on FTC.gov and note "IRS Telephone Scam."

If you owe taxes or think you might have a bill with the IRS, you should nevertheless hang up the phone. You can create an online account on IRS.gov and review your information. There may be a phone number on a billing notice from the IRS or the general IRS number is 800-829-1040.

If you are a victim of identity theft and someone has used your Social Security number to file and claim a fraudulent refund, you may be contacted by the IRS. You should immediately respond to any IRS notice and call the listed number. You may file IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit. If you are a victim of identity theft, you still must file and pay taxes. Many individuals use a paper form to pay their tax in this circumstance.

Editor's Note: IRS tax filing season always causes fraudsters to redouble their efforts. Taxpayers should be familiar with the principal ways scammers attempt to steal identities and file fraudulent returns.

How can a person know if they have had a minor stroke? My 72-year-old parent had a situation a few weeks ago where they suddenly felt dizzy and had trouble walking and speaking. However, the symptoms have now subsided and they appear to have returned to normal.

From your description, it is very possible that your parent suffered a "mini-stroke," also known as a transient ischemic attack (TIA). It is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible if they have not already done so.

Each year, around 250,000 Americans experience a mini-stroke, but less than half of them realize what is happening. That is because the symptoms are usually fleeting – lasting only a few minutes, up to an hour or two – causing most people to ignore them or brush them off as no big deal. But anyone who has had a mini-stroke is much more likely to have a full-blown stroke, which can cause long-term paralysis, impaired memory, loss of speech or vision and potentially death.

A mini-stroke is caused by a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain and can be a warning sign that a major stroke may occur soon. For this reason, it is imperative that mini-strokes be treated as emergencies.

Who is Vulnerable?

A person is more likely to suffer a TIA or stroke if they are overweight or inactive, have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol or diabetes. Other factors that boost the risks are age (over 60), smoking, heart disease, atrial fibrillation and having a family history of strokes. Men also have a greater risk for strokes than women, and African Americans and Hispanics are at higher risk than those of other races.

Warning Signs

The symptoms of a mini-stroke are the same as those of a full-blown stroke, but can be subtle and short-lived and do not leave any permanent damage. They include any one or combination of the following:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

The easiest way to identify a stroke is to use the F.A.S.T. test to identify the symptoms.

F (Face): Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A (Arm): Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S (Speech): Ask the person to say a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred?
T (Time): If you observe any of these signs of stroke, call 911.

Get Help

If these warning signs sound like what happened to your parent but went away, they should go to the emergency room or nearby stroke center for an evaluation.

If the doctor suspects a TIA, he or she will run a series of tests to determine what caused it and assess their risk of a future stroke. Once the cause has been determined, the goal of treatment is to correct the abnormality and prevent a full-blown stroke. Depending on the cause(s), the doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the tendency for blood to clot or may recommend surgery or a balloon procedure (angioplasty).

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living" book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization's official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.