Every August, National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) serves as an important reminder that staying up to date on vaccinations is one of the easiest ways to protect your health.
For adults 65 and older, vaccines play a critical role in preventing serious illnesses that become more common with age. As summer comes to an end, now is the ideal time to schedule your annual flu shot and review whether you're due for other recommended vaccines, including COVID-19, pneumonia, shingles, and Tdap.
At VIPcare, we encourage every patient to talk with their primary care provider about which vaccines are right for them.
If you're due for a vaccine, don't wait until cold and flu season arrives. Taking preventive steps now can help keep you healthier throughout the year.
Continue building healthy habits by reading our guide on why prevention is the key to better health.
Why Vaccines Are Especially Important for Seniors
As we age, our immune systems naturally become less effective at fighting infections. This means adults over 65 are at a higher risk for complications from illnesses like influenza, pneumonia, COVID-19, and shingles.
Your body also produces fewer immune cells, including white blood cells, making it more difficult to fight infections and recover quickly.
Vaccines help prepare your immune system before you're exposed to illness, reducing your risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and complications.
Recommended Vaccines for Adults Age 65 and Older
Most adults 65+ should discuss these vaccines with their healthcare provider:
Annual Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
The flu changes every year, which is why an updated vaccine is recommended every fall. Getting vaccinated helps lower your risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against serious infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles can cause severe pain and long-lasting nerve damage. The shingles vaccine significantly reduces your risk of developing the disease.
Tdap Vaccine
Adults should receive a Tdap vaccine once if they haven't already, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
COVID-19 Vaccine
Staying current with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations can help reduce your risk of severe illness, especially if you have chronic health conditions.
Your provider can recommend the appropriate vaccine schedule based on your age, medical history, and overall health.
How Vaccines Protect Your Health
Vaccines train your immune system to recognize and fight viruses or bacteria before they can make you seriously sick.
Here's how they work:
- Your immune system recognizes the vaccine as a safe way to learn about a disease.
- Your body creates antibodies that remember how to fight that illness.
- If you're exposed later, your immune system can respond much faster.
- This often prevents severe illness or reduces symptoms.
Vaccines don't always prevent infection entirely, but they greatly reduce the risk of serious complications.
You can also strengthen your immune system with healthy lifestyle habits. Learn more in our article on supporting your immune system naturally.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccine for nearly everyone 6 months of age and older, with very few exceptions.
Adults 65+ should also talk with their provider about vaccines for:
- Pneumonia
- Shingles
- COVID-19
- Tdap
Some people with certain medical conditions or allergies may require a different vaccine schedule. Your primary care provider can recommend the safest and most effective vaccines based on your personal health history.
Are Vaccines Safe for Seniors?
Yes. Vaccines recommended for older adults have been thoroughly studied and continuously monitored for safety.
The flu vaccine alone has been safely administered to hundreds of millions of people over several decades. Like any medication, vaccines can cause mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site or fatigue, but serious side effects are rare.
If you have questions or concerns about vaccinations, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the benefits and determine which vaccines are appropriate for you.
Schedule Your Vaccines Before Flu Season
Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest ways to protect your health and maintain your independence as you age.
At VIPcare, our senior-focused primary care providers help patients stay up to date on preventive care, including recommended vaccinations.
As National Immunization Awareness Month reminds us, prevention starts before illness occurs.
Schedule an appointment with your local VIPcare provider to review your vaccination status and prepare for a healthier fall and winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines should adults over 65 get?
Most adults age 65 and older should discuss receiving the annual flu vaccine, pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine, shingles vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine, and Tdap booster with their healthcare provider.
When should seniors get a flu shot?
The best time to receive a flu vaccine is in early fall, before influenza begins spreading widely. Getting vaccinated in late summer or early fall helps ensure protection during flu season.
Why do older adults need more vaccines?
As we age, the immune system naturally weakens, making it harder to fight infections. Vaccines help reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and complications.
Can I receive multiple vaccines at the same visit?
In many cases, yes. Your healthcare provider can determine which vaccines can safely be administered together based on current recommendations and your health history.
