5 Vaccines Recommended for Adults Age 65 and Older

June 13, 2021

woman in white coat and mask giving older woman a shot

Vaccines are an important step in protecting your health and the health of your family. Vaccines are particularly important for older adults. Risks to certain diseases are higher for this age group since it can be more difficult to fight off infections as your immune system naturally weakens as you get older.

"These infections, such as flu, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), increase your risk for complications, which can lead to long-term illness and hospitalization," says Michelle Twombly, CNP.

There are five vaccines adults age 65 and older should consider to prevent certain diseases:

Influenza (flu) vaccine
Pneumonia vaccine
Shingles vaccine
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine

Influenza (Flu)

The influenza (flu) vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older every year, starting in the fall. Influenza is a respiratory virus. Getting the vaccine decreases your risk for developing complications from the flu, such as sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, brain or muscle tissues, multi-organ failure or sepsis.

There are two vaccines that are particular for those age 65 and older because they create a stronger immune response: high-dose flu vaccine and an adjuvanted flu vaccine. You can get either of these vaccines in your healthcare provider’s office.

Pneumonia

The pneumonia vaccine is recommended as a one-time vaccine for people ages 65 and older.

Pneumonia is caused by a bacteria or virus that infects the lungs. The vaccine is 60 percent to 70 percent effective in preventing invasive disease. You can get this vaccine in your healthcare provider’s office.

Shingles

The shingles vaccine is recommended for people age 50 and older even if you had shingles in the past or had the previous shingles vaccine. It is a two-shot series, in which the second shot is given two to six months after the first shot.

Shingles is a viral infection. The chicken pox virus remains inactive in your nerve tissue and can reactivate as shingles, causing a painful, blistery rash on one side of the body. Shingles can also cause postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which causes severe and debilitating pain where the rash occurred. The vaccine is greater than 90 percent effective in preventing shingles and PHN. Supplies of this vaccine may be limited. Ask your healthcare provider or a pharmacy about vaccine availability.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap)

The tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine combined (Tdap) is recommended if you have not received a tetanus shot in the last 10 years or have only had the tetanus and diphtheria combined (Td) vaccine and not the Tdap in the past.

Tetanus is caused by a bacteria in soil, dirt and manure and can impair the nervous system. Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria that attaches to the lining of the respiratory system, which causes difficulty breathing and swallowing and can get into the bloodstream and damage the heart, kidneys and nerves. Pertussis (whooping cough) can be a very serious disease, especially for vulnerable populations, such as infants, young children and older adults. Pertussis causes coughing fits due to the bacteria attaching to the lining of the upper respiratory system.

The vaccine is greater than 95 percent effective in preventing tetanus and diphtheria and 70 percent effective in preventing pertussis. You can get this vaccine from your healthcare provider.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that affects the lungs, nose and throat. Most prevalent in the fall and winter, RSV can be serious, especially for infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems or other illnesses.

RSV has been seen in children for years. In the last 5-10 years, however, it has also been recognized as a potential health threat for older adults, particularly those with existing heart or lung conditions.

The CDC and FDA have now approved a vaccine for individuals over 60 years of age. The decision to be vaccinated for RSV is one that should be made between you and your healthcare provider.