Adults aged 65 and older face a greater risk of serious complications from several infectious diseases. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines is one of the best things you can do to help protect your health, as well as the health of your family and community.
For decades, vaccines have safely and effectively protected older adults from serious illness. Recommended immunizations, including those for influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease and other infections, help lower the possibility of complications, hospitalization and death as the immune system changes with age.
Why Vaccines Matter After 65
Vaccines give the immune system added protection against infections that may become more difficult to manage later in life.
An illness that may be mild for a younger person can have a more serious effect on an older adult, sometimes resulting in a lengthy recovery or hospital stay. The risk may be even greater for those with chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
Avoiding a serious infection can make it easier to remain active, independent and involved in the activities you enjoy. Vaccination also lowers the chance of passing an illness to family members, friends and others in the community. Fewer illnesses can result in fewer missed workdays for patients, caregivers and family members, reducing the greater economic impact of preventable disease.
Essential Vaccines for Older Adults
Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria that can spread through coughing, sneezing and close contact. It can lead to pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Older adults are more likely to develop serious complications, particularly if they have a weakened immune system or a chronic health condition. Vaccination can reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
About one million Americans develop shingles each year, and the risk increases with age as the immune system’s ability to keep the virus inactive declines. The two-dose shingles vaccine is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles in adults over 70 with healthy immune systems. It also protects against postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of shingles. PHN causes severe nerve pain in the area where the rash appeared and may continue for months or even years after the rash clears.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
For most people, RSV feels much like a cold. However, the infection can cause serious breathing problems in older adults and people with certain health conditions. Adults 75 and older should receive the RSV vaccine. It’s also recommended for adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk due to asthma, chronic heart or lung disease, a weakened immune system or other medical concerns. RSV may cause pneumonia and can make COPD or congestive heart failure worse.
Influenza
A high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine is recommended each year for adults 65 and older because it provides a stronger immune response. Older adults are more likely to be hospitalized or experience serious complications from the flu, including pneumonia or worsening heart disease. Influenza may also increase the risk of stroke.
COVID-19
Keeping up with the recommended COVID-19 vaccine can lower the risk of becoming seriously ill. Adults 65 and older face the greatest risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19. The virus can also cause complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, blood clots and long COVID.
Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap/Td)
Protection against these illnesses can decrease over time, making routine booster shots important throughout adulthood. Anyone who has not previously received the Tdap vaccine should receive one dose. After that, either Tdap or Td is recommended every 10 years. Tetanus is caused by bacteria that enter through broken skin, while diphtheria and whooping cough spread through close contact. Whooping cough and diphtheria are highly contagious, so getting vaccinated protects people from spreading disease in their communities.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause lasting damage to the liver. Over time, a chronic infection may lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. Adults 60 and older should receive the vaccine if they have certain risk factors, including diabetes or chronic liver disease, and others may choose to be vaccinated for added protection. Exposure can happen in surprising ways. For example, outbreaks have occurred in assisted living facilities where blood glucose monitoring equipment was shared or used improperly. Because many older adults were born before routine childhood hepatitis B vaccination began, it’s important to discuss your vaccination history and personal risk with your doctor.
When Should You Get Vaccinated?
Keeping up with recommended vaccinations is an important part of maintaining good health.
Some vaccines follow a seasonal schedule, such as influenza in the fall and RSV in late summer or early fall, while others can be given at any time of year. COVID-19 vaccination ought to follow the current recommended schedule.
Vaccines can prevent serious illness, reduce the risk of hospitalization, and protect your long-term health and independence.
Review your vaccination record with your doctor during your annual physical or before respiratory illness season begins to determine which vaccines you need and when to receive them. Taking steps to protect your own health also helps keep your family and community healthy.
