The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues standard recommendations for vaccines at specific ages. The risk of becoming sick or developing complications increases with age and as immune systems weaken. Seniors and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, especially if living in community settings or living with other health complications.
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Vaccines recommended for seniors over 65
Making decisions about getting vaccinated is an important part of an overall health picture at any age. Since the arrival of COVID-19, the conversation around vaccines and risk has entered every household and stayed in the forefront of health conversations.
Families are accustomed to thinking about childhood vaccines, understanding that certain vaccines are given at specific ages. As we age, vaccines become less routine, but aging is one of the primary factors to consider when thinking about vaccines.
For seniors, how does age play into making decisions? For example, why are some vaccines recommended for seniors over 65 versus another vaccine for an older adult or a senior over 80?
Let’s look at the breakdown of vaccines recommended by age.
Vaccine recommendations by age
Routine vaccines for adults
Routine vaccines for adults of any age generally include the following:
- Influenza or flu
- COVID-19
- Tdap vaccines which include diphtheria, tetanus, and whopping cough
Age 50-64
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Flu vaccine
- Shingles vaccine or also called Zoster
- Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, and whopping cough)
AGE 65+
COVID-19 vaccine Flu vaccine (influenza)Pneumococcal vaccine Shingles vaccine (zoster)Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough) orTd (tetanus and diphtheria)
Even if a vaccine doesn’t guarantee 100% protection, a vaccine for the over 65 may still mean the difference between serious illness and a mild case of contagious disease.
Other Vaccines to consider
Adults and seniors may also want to talk with their primary care doctor about other vaccines not routinely part of seasonal vaccines.
Hepatitis B is recommended for all adults up to age 59. The MMR for measles, mumps and rubella is given to anyone born later than 1957.
Another effective way to manage information and support regarding vaccinations is by contacting
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