What is the new injection for 75-79 year olds?
For 75-79 year olds, a significant and new recommendation is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine. This recommendation was updated in 2024 to specifically include all adults 75 and older, reflecting the recognition of how serious RSV can be for this age group. The CDC now recommends that all adults 75 years and older receive a single dose of an FDA-licensed RSV vaccine. There are currently three FDA-approved RSV vaccines available: GSK's Arexvy, Moderna's mResvia, and Pfizer's Abrysvo. These are not annual injections like the flu shot, and most eligible adults will only need a single dose.
Additionally, there is an updated COVID-19 vaccine recommended for this age group. In October 2024, the CDC recommended a second dose of the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 65 and older. This is due to waning immunity over time and the continued circulation of the virus. These key updates address the most recent public health guidance for older adults.
Comparing key vaccines for older adults
Older adults should remain current on several other key vaccinations besides the new RSV and updated COVID-19 injections. These vaccines protect against serious illnesses and their potential complications. The following table provides a comparison of these vital vaccines.
| Vaccine | Target Disease | Target Age Group | Dosing | Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSV Vaccine (Arexvy, Abrysvo, mResvia) | Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | All adults 75+ (and 50-74 with risk factors) | Single dose | Pain, redness, swelling at injection site; fatigue, headache |
| COVID-19 Vaccine (2024-2025 formula) | SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) | All adults 65+ | Two doses for 65+, 6 months apart | Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever |
| Shingrix (Shingles Vaccine) | Shingles and Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) | Healthy adults 50+ | Two doses, 2–6 months apart | Injection site pain, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever |
| Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV15, PCV20, PCV21) | Pneumococcal Disease (including pneumonia) | All adults 50+ (and younger adults with risk factors) | Dosing depends on vaccine type and history | Pain, redness, swelling at injection site; fever, muscle aches |
| Flu Vaccine (High-Dose/Adjuvanted) | Influenza (Flu) | Adults 65+ | Annual, single dose (in late summer/fall) | Soreness, swelling, redness at injection site; headache, muscle aches |
How these injections benefit older adults
For adults in the 75-79 age range, these injections provide crucial protection as their immune systems may be less robust than younger individuals. Age-related changes make older adults more susceptible to severe complications from respiratory infections and other diseases. Here's how these specific vaccines help:
- RSV Vaccine: This is particularly important because RSV can cause severe lower respiratory tract infections, leading to hospitalization and even death in older adults. The recent recommendation for all individuals 75 and older acknowledges their increased risk. The vaccine provides robust protection against this serious illness.
- Updated COVID-19 Vaccine: Given that COVID-19 remains a threat, especially for older Americans, the second dose recommended for 65+ in the 2024-2025 season helps ensure continued high-level immunity. This is especially crucial as vaccine effectiveness can wane over time.
- Shingrix (Shingles) Vaccine: Shingles can be extremely painful and lead to long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), which is more common and severe in older adults. The Shingrix vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and its complications in adults aged 50 and older.
- Pneumococcal Vaccines: Pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, is a serious threat to older adults. The CDC's recent lowering of the recommended age to 50 ensures earlier and broader protection for those at risk.
- High-Dose Flu Vaccine: Adults 65 and older are recommended to receive a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine, which provides a stronger immune response and better protection against influenza.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with any medication, injections carry potential side effects, which are generally mild and temporary. For the new RSV vaccines, common side effects can include soreness or redness at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. The updated COVID-19 vaccines may cause similar symptoms, such as fever or muscle aches. Shingrix is associated with more noticeable side effects like fatigue and shivering, especially after the second dose. However, these are typically short-lived and pale in comparison to the potential severity of the diseases they prevent. It is important for individuals to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider, especially if they have underlying health conditions or have experienced severe allergic reactions to vaccines in the past.
Conclusion
For adults aged 75 to 79, the most significant new injection is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine, now a routine recommendation to prevent severe lower respiratory illness. Alongside this, a second dose of the updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended to maintain immunity. These join other standard vaccinations like the high-dose flu vaccine, Shingrix for shingles, and pneumococcal vaccines as essential components of preventive care for seniors. By staying informed and up-to-date with these key injections, older adults can significantly reduce their risk of serious and life-threatening infections. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your individual health needs. The CDC and other health authorities provide comprehensive, evidence-based guidance to help navigate these important health decisions.
Why it’s important to prioritize vaccinations for older adults
For the 75-79 age bracket, a compromised or weaker immune system is a major concern. The body's ability to fight off infections naturally declines with age, making common viruses like RSV and flu more dangerous. Vaccinations train the immune system to recognize and fight pathogens, creating a protective barrier against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. For example, the CDC highlights that older adults are at increased risk for severe disease from RSV, including pneumonia. Ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date is a simple yet powerful strategy to maintain health and quality of life. The benefits of vaccination—preventing devastating illness and its complications—are far greater than the minor, temporary side effects.
Visit the CDC's website for the full immunization schedules for adults.
How to get vaccinated
Vaccinations for older adults are widely available through several channels. A doctor's office or clinic is the most common option, where a healthcare provider can review your history and recommend the right vaccines. Additionally, most pharmacies, including those in large grocery and drug store chains, offer a variety of adult vaccinations, including RSV, flu, shingles, and COVID-19 shots. For those with mobility issues, some health services offer in-home vaccination programs. Before visiting, it is always a good practice to call ahead to ensure the desired vaccine is in stock. You should also check with your insurance provider, as most recommended adult vaccines, including RSV, shingles (Shingrix), and COVID-19 shots, are covered by Medicare and most private insurance plans. For those without insurance, several public health programs can assist with costs.
