What vaccines are recommended for seniors? Your guide to staying protected

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 70% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in adults aged 65 and older. As the immune system weakens with age, staying up-to-date with vaccinations is a critical step for older adults to protect themselves from serious, preventable diseases. Understanding what vaccines are recommended for seniors can help you navigate essential preventative care.

Quick Summary

As the immune system naturally weakens with age, several vaccines become crucial for seniors to prevent serious illness, including annual flu shots, pneumococcal vaccines, the two-dose shingles vaccine, Tdap boosters, and up-to-date COVID-19 shots. Specific vaccine types and dosing schedules are available for older adults to provide enhanced protection against these common diseases. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential for determining the right vaccination plan for individual health needs.

Key Points

• Annual Flu Shot: Get a yearly influenza vaccine, preferably one of the higher-dose options specifically formulated for seniors over 65, to provide a stronger immune response.

• Pneumococcal Vaccines: The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults 50 and older to protect against pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections.

• Shingles Vaccine: All healthy adults 50 and over should get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine to prevent shingles and its associated long-term nerve pain.

• Tdap Booster: A Tdap vaccine, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years, protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.

• COVID-19 Vaccine: Stay current with the latest COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, including updated annual formulas and additional doses for high-risk individuals like seniors.

• Consult a Provider: Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best vaccine schedule for your specific health needs and risks.

Why are vaccines especially important for older adults?

As people age, their immune system, which helps the body fight infection, becomes less effective. This process, known as immunosenescence, increases the risk of contracting infectious diseases and experiencing more severe complications. For example, older adults face a higher risk of developing serious, life-threatening complications from the flu compared to younger adults. Chronic health conditions, which are more common in older adults, can further compound these risks. Vaccines provide an important boost to the immune system, offering robust protection against specific illnesses.

Core vaccinations for seniors aged 65 and older

Several immunizations are universally recommended for older adults to safeguard their health. The CDC provides specific guidelines for the timing and types of vaccines.

Annual flu vaccine

An annual flu shot is a top priority for all adults, especially those over 65, due to their heightened risk of severe flu-related complications.

• Higher-dose options: For individuals 65 and older, the CDC recommends preferentially receiving a specific type of vaccine that generates a stronger immune response. These include high-dose (Fluzone High-Dose), adjuvanted (Fluad), or recombinant (Flublok) vaccines.
• Timing: Ideally, the flu shot should be received in September or October, before flu activity begins to increase.

Pneumococcal vaccines

These vaccines protect against pneumococcal disease, a serious infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The CDC now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults aged 50 and older.

• PCV20: Many older adults who have not previously received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine can get a single dose of PCV20 (Prevnar 20).
• PCV15 followed by PPSV23: Alternatively, a dose of PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) can be given, followed by a dose of PPSV23 (Pneumovax23) at least one year later.
• Catch-up schedule: For those with prior vaccinations, a healthcare provider can determine the appropriate schedule.

Shingles vaccine

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications, including long-term nerve pain.

• Recommended age: Shingrix is recommended for all healthy adults aged 50 and older.
• Dosing: The regimen consists of two doses, separated by two to six months.
• Important considerations: Shingrix is recommended even for those who have had shingles before or previously received the older vaccine (Zostavax).

Tdap/Td vaccine

Protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) is maintained through routine boosters.

• Initial Tdap: If you did not receive a Tdap vaccine as a teenager or adult, the CDC recommends getting one dose.
• Boosters: Following the initial Tdap, a booster shot (either Tdap or Td) is recommended every 10 years.

COVID-19 vaccine

Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines remains crucial for older adults, who are at increased risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

• Annual updates: New vaccine formulas are released annually to protect against currently circulating strains.
• Second dose recommendation: For the 2024–2025 season, the CDC has recommended a second dose for adults aged 65 and older, especially those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

Additional vaccinations based on risk

Some seniors may require other vaccinations based on their health status, occupation, or travel plans. A healthcare provider can help assess these needs.

RSV vaccine

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can cause severe illness in older adults. For those aged 75 and older, a single dose is generally recommended. For adults aged 50–74 with higher risk factors, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

Hepatitis A and B vaccines

These are recommended for older adults with specific risk factors, such as chronic liver disease, diabetes, or multiple sex partners.

Meningococcal vaccine

This vaccine protects against meningococcal disease and is recommended for certain older adults, such as those with a damaged spleen or certain immune deficiencies.

Comparison of vaccines recommended for seniors

Vaccine	Recommended For	Dosing Schedule	Key Benefit for Seniors
Seasonal Flu	All seniors 65+	1 dose annually (preferably higher-dose)	Reduces risk of hospitalization and death from flu
Pneumococcal	All seniors 50+	1 or 2 doses, depending on vaccine history	Prevents pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections
Shingles (Shingrix)	All healthy seniors 50+	2 doses, 2–6 months apart	Reduces risk and severity of shingles and long-term nerve pain
Tdap/Td	All adults	1 Tdap dose, followed by Td boosters every 10 years	Boosts protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough
COVID-19	All seniors 65+	2 or more doses of the annual update	Protects against severe illness, hospitalization, and death

Conclusion: Taking control of your health

Staying current with recommended vaccinations is one of the most effective ways for older adults to protect their health and maintain their quality of life. The list of what vaccines are recommended for seniors can seem extensive, but it's designed to provide robust protection against diseases that pose a higher risk with age. An annual check-in with a healthcare provider is the best way to ensure your immunization record is up to date, allowing you to create a personalized vaccination plan based on your unique health profile and risk factors.

Sources

County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency: Immunization for Older Adults Los Angeles County Public Health: Vaccine Recommendations National Institutes of Health (NIH): Vaccinations and Older Adults Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Recommended Vaccines for Adults | Pneumococcal National Council on Aging (NCOA): What Older Adults Need to Know During Flu Season Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): ACIP Recommendations Summary | Influenza (Flu) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Flu Vaccines for Seniors National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID): Pneumococcal Disease and Older Adults HealthInAging.org: Learn More: Pneumococcal Vaccines for Older Adults Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines Kaiser Permanente: Shingles vaccine for adults over 50 Walgreens: Schedule Shingles Vaccine (Herpes Zoster) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Shingles Vaccine Recommendations National Council on Aging (NCOA): What Older Adults Should Know About the Tdap Vaccine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Diphtheria Vaccine Recommendations WebMD: Adult Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Td, Tdap) Vaccine National Council on Aging (NCOA): What Is the Latest COVID Vaccine Guidance for Older Adults? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Use of Additional Doses of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine for Adults Aged ≥65 Years American Hospital Association (AHA): CDC recommends two doses of COVID-19 vaccine for older individuals HealthInAging.org: Ask the Expert: Adult Immunization National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID): Why Vaccinations Are Vital for Older Adults Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Flu & People 65 Years and Older GoodRx: High-Dose Flu Shots for Seniors: What to Know Healthline: Flu Shots for Seniors: Types, Cost, and More National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID): Pneumococcal Disease and Older Adults HealthInAging.org: Learn More: Pneumococcal Vaccines for Older Adults Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines Walgreens: Schedule Shingles Vaccine (Herpes Zoster) UCHealth: The shingles vaccines prevent pain and reduce dementia risk HealthInAging.org: Get the Basics: Shingles Vaccine for Older Adults National Council on Aging (NCOA): What Older Adults Should Know About the Tdap Vaccine Medicare: Tdap Shots John Muir Health: Senior Immunizations National Council on Aging (NCOA): What Is the Latest COVID Vaccine Guidance for Older Adults? American Hospital Association (AHA): CDC recommends two doses of COVID-19 vaccine for older individuals YouTube: FDA approves new COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 years old Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Adult Immunization Schedule by Age Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): CDC Recommends Second Dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 Vaccine HealthInAging.org: Vaccine recommendations by age Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Use of Additional Doses of 2024–2025 COVID-19 Vaccine HealthInAging.org: Ask the Expert: Adult Immunization National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID): Why Vaccinations Are Vital for Older Adults American College of Physicians (ACP): Aging and Immunity: The Important Role of Vaccines MedlinePlus: Aging changes in immunity

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of flu vaccine is best for seniors?

For adults 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines, including Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent Recombinant, and Fluad Quadrivalent. Studies show these vaccines create a stronger immune response and provide better protection in older adults compared to standard-dose vaccines.

Is the shingles vaccine recommended even if I've already had shingles?

Yes, even if you have had shingles before, you should still get the Shingrix vaccine. The vaccine is highly effective at preventing a recurrence and reducing the risk of complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

At what age should seniors get the pneumococcal vaccine?

The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults aged 50 and older. Specific vaccine types and dosing schedules vary based on prior vaccination history.

How often do I need a tetanus booster?

After getting an initial Tdap vaccine, a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) or Tdap booster shot is recommended every 10 years to maintain protection. A booster may also be needed for certain severe wounds.

Can I receive the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines at the same time?

Yes, it is generally considered safe and effective for adults to receive multiple vaccines, such as the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines, during the same visit. However, it is best to discuss this with your healthcare provider to confirm the best approach for you.

Why is the immune system weaker in older adults?

As you age, a process called immunosenescence causes the immune system to become slower and less effective at detecting and responding to infections. This makes older adults more susceptible to diseases and more severe illness.

Does Medicare cover the recommended vaccines for seniors?

Most vaccines recommended for seniors are covered by Medicare. For example, Medicare Part B covers flu and pneumococcal vaccines, while Part D (prescription drug coverage) covers the shingles vaccine and Tdap without cost-sharing. It is advisable to check your specific plan for details.