Your Annual Flu Shot
Your immune system's response to infections naturally weakens with age, making you more susceptible to serious complications from the influenza virus. While a flu shot is recommended for most people every year, there are specific recommendations for adults over 65.
High-Dose vs. Standard Flu Shot
For adults aged 65 and older, the CDC recommends specific flu vaccines designed to provide a stronger immune response. These include:
- High-Dose Flu Vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose): Contains four times the amount of antigen as a standard flu shot, leading to a stronger immune response.
- Adjuvanted Flu Vaccine (Fluad): Contains an adjuvant (a substance that helps create a stronger immune response) to provide better protection.
- Recombinant Flu Vaccine (Flublok): Made using cell culture technology rather than eggs, and is another recommended option for seniors.
Getting an annual flu shot is the single best way to protect against the flu and its complications, including pneumonia and hospitalization. The best time to get vaccinated is in early fall, around September or October.
Protecting Against Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Your risk and the severity of shingles and its long-term complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), increase significantly with age.
Shingrix Vaccine
The vaccine of choice for adults aged 50 and older is Shingrix. It is given as a two-dose series, with the second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first. Key facts about Shingrix include:
- High Efficacy: It is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN in adults aged 50 and older.
- No Maximum Age: There is no maximum age for getting Shingrix, and it works well even for those well into their 90s.
- Prior History: You should still get Shingrix even if you previously had shingles or received the older Zostavax vaccine.
Your Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccines
Pneumococcal disease can cause serious, life-threatening infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Older adults are at increased risk for these severe outcomes.
What Vaccines Are Needed?
For adults aged 65 and older, the recommendations involve one or two types of pneumococcal vaccines, depending on your prior vaccination history. You and your healthcare provider can determine the best course of action. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated its guidelines and generally recommends one of the following for pneumococcal-naive seniors:
- PCV20 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine): A single dose is sufficient.
- PCV15 + PPSV23: A single dose of PCV15 followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least one year later.
The RSV Vaccine
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory illness that can be particularly severe for older adults, causing serious complications like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Recommendations for Seniors
The CDC recommends a single dose of the RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 and older. Furthermore, adults aged 50–74 who have an increased risk of severe RSV disease should also consider vaccination. As with other vaccines, the best time to receive it is typically in late summer and early fall. It is not currently an annual vaccine, so if you've already received a dose, another one is not recommended at this time.
Tdap and Td Booster
This vaccine protects against three serious bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). While tetanus and diphtheria are less common due to widespread vaccination, pertussis outbreaks still occur.
Staying Up-to-Date
Adults need a tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster every 10 years. If you have never received a Tdap vaccine, the CDC recommends getting a single dose of Tdap to replace one of your 10-year boosters. This is especially important if you are around newborns or young infants, as whooping cough can be very serious for them.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Recommendations for the COVID-19 vaccine continue to evolve. Currently, people aged 65 years and older are considered a priority group for updated vaccine formulations. Given their higher risk of severe disease, staying current with recommended doses is crucial. For the most recent information, always check with the CDC or your healthcare provider.
Comparing Key Senior Vaccinations
| Vaccine | Target Disease | Recommended for 70+? | Dosing Schedule | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Influenza (Flu) | Influenza | Yes, specifically high-dose or adjuvanted version | Annual | Prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death from flu. |
| Shingrix (Shingles) | Herpes Zoster (Shingles) | Yes | Two doses, 2–6 months apart | Prevents shingles and long-term nerve pain (PHN). |
| Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) | Pneumococcal Disease | Yes | Dependent on history, usually single dose(s) | Prevents serious pneumococcal infections like pneumonia and meningitis. |
| RSV | Respiratory Syncytial Virus | Yes (all adults 75+ and some 50-74) | Single dose | Prevents severe illness and hospitalization from RSV. |
| Tdap/Td | Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis | Yes | Tdap once, Td booster every 10 years | Protects against lockjaw, diphtheria, and whooping cough. |
Taking Control of Your Immunization Schedule
As a senior, taking charge of your health includes staying current on vaccinations. While this guide provides a solid overview, your personal health history, underlying conditions, and previous immunization record are all factors in determining your final schedule. Don’t hesitate to discuss your vaccine options with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you create a personalized plan to ensure you have the best possible protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. Taking these steps is a simple yet powerful way to support healthy aging and maintain your quality of life for years to come. For more information, you can always consult reliable sources like the CDC Adult Immunization Schedule.
