Sarah Bennett
Vaccines are an important way to protect the health of seniors and their families. As people age, their immune systems weaken, making them more susceptible to infections and complications from diseases like influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, and shingles. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections, which can lead to serious lung problems and even cause pneumonia. Therefore, it is crucial for older adults to get vaccinated against the flu, pneumococcal disease, shingles, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Additionally, booster shots for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are recommended every ten years to maintain protection. Getting vaccinated is a critical step in safeguarding the health of seniors and preventing long-term illnesses and hospitalizations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Seniors should get the flu vaccine annually, ideally before the winter flu season or by the end of October |
| Effectiveness | The flu vaccine reduces the risk of getting the flu by up to 60% and can help prevent serious illness and hospitalization |
| Target Group | People aged 65 and older are recommended to receive a higher-dose flu vaccine |
| Other Vaccines | Pneumonia, Shingles, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap/Td), COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines are also important for seniors |
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Flu vaccines
Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. It is easily passed from person to person through coughing, talking, or sneezing. The flu virus can also be contracted from surfaces or objects recently contaminated and then touching your mouth, eyes, or nose.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older every year, ideally by the end of October, to ensure protection when the flu season starts. Flu vaccines are particularly important for people aged 65 and older because they are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications. In recent years, it is estimated that between 70-85% of flu-related deaths and 50-70% of flu-related hospitalizations occurred in this age group.
The CDC recommends the use of higher-dose flu vaccines or adjuvanted flu vaccines (with an additional ingredient) for people 65 and older. These include Fluzone High-Dose, Flublok Quadrivalent, and Fluad Quadrivalent. These vaccines are potentially more effective than standard-dose unadjuvanted flu vaccines for this age group.
It is important to note that the flu vaccine does not cause the flu. While immune responses to the flu vaccination may be lower in older people, studies have consistently shown that the vaccine effectively reduces the risk of medical visits and hospitalizations due to the flu.
Additionally, individuals who have received or plan to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can safely get the flu shot as well.
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RSV vaccines
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a highly contagious virus that causes infections of the lungs and breathing passages. RSV is a serious disease, especially for older adults, and can cause life-threatening pneumonia. In older adults, most cases of serious RSV are found, and they are at greater risk of hospitalisation or even death. Each year, RSV causes up to 10,000 deaths and up to 160,000 hospitalisations of adults 65 and older in the US.
The RSV vaccine can help older adults at risk of RSV. The CDC recommends that adults 75 years old or older should receive the RSV vaccine. Adults 60-74 years old who are at an increased risk of severe RSV should also receive the vaccine. Your healthcare professional will consider your risk factors for getting seriously sick from RSV when helping you decide whether to get the vaccine.
There are three different RSV vaccines used for adults 60 years old or older. The vaccines are made by Pfizer, GSK, and Moderna. One dose of the RSV vaccine provides protection for at least two years. The best time to get vaccinated is in late summer and early fall before RSV usually starts to spread. However, you can benefit from the RSV vaccine at any time of the year.
The RSV vaccine has been known to have some side effects, such as pain, redness, and swelling where the shot is given, fatigue, fever, headache, nausea, diarrhoea, and muscle or joint pain. These side effects are usually mild and short-lived. A small number of people experienced serious inflammatory neurological events after receiving the vaccine. Your healthcare professional will help you weigh whether the benefits of the vaccine outweigh these risks.
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Pneumonia vaccines
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria or viruses that infect the lungs. The pneumonia vaccine is 60% to 70% effective in preventing invasive disease. Most adults will only need one vaccine for a lifetime of protection, but certain high-risk groups may need a second dose, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about your individual risk. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children under 5 and adults 50 or older. Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria that commonly live in the nose and throat and can cause mild infections such as ear infections, as well as more serious infections such as pneumonia. It often causes pneumonia in the lungs and can affect other parts of the body. It can lead to bacteremia, a bloodstream infection, and cause your lungs to become inflamed, making it harder to breathe. Pneumonia vaccines are safe and effective, and most people experience no side effects. You can get the shots at any time of the year.
In the United States, there are two types of vaccines recommended to help prevent pneumococcal disease in adults: PCV15 and PPSV23. If PCV15 is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23. Adults who received an earlier PCV (PCV7 or PCV13) should talk with a vaccine provider about their options to complete the pneumococcal vaccine series. Adults 65 and older have the option to get PCV20 or PCV21, or to not get additional pneumococcal vaccines. They can get PCV20 or PCV21 if they've already received both PCV13 and PPSV23.
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults at increased risk for pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is a serious infection that spreads from person to person by air. Half of all deaths from this disease are among people 65 and older. Older adults are at high risk for complications from both this disease and the flu, so it is recommended to get both shots.
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Shingles vaccines
Shingles is a serious health concern for older adults, affecting 1 out of 3 Americans in their lifetime. The condition is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, the varicella zoster (VZV) virus. After recovery from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later in life, causing shingles. Shingles typically manifests as a painful, blistery rash on one side of the body and can lead to severe and debilitating pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), in the affected area.
The only way to prevent shingles and PHN is through vaccination with the recombinant zoster vaccine, Shingrix, which replaced the previous vaccine, Zostavax. Shingrix is recommended for individuals aged 50 and older, even if they had shingles previously or received the Zostavax vaccine. The CDC advises two doses of the vaccine, administered two to six months apart. The vaccine is highly effective, with a success rate of over 90% in preventing shingles and PHN.
Shingrix is available at pharmacies and physicians' offices, and it is provided at no cost by most insurance plans. Medicare Part B may cover the vaccine as a preventative care measure. The vaccine is administered as a shot in the upper arm and is generally well-tolerated.
Kathleen Cameron, the former Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, strongly encourages eligible older adults to receive the Shingrix vaccine. She emphasizes its safety, effectiveness, and ability to prevent shingles, a condition that can significantly impact one's health.
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Tdap/Td booster shots
Vaccinations are an important step in protecting your health and the health of those around you. As you age, your immune system naturally weakens, making you more susceptible to certain diseases. Older adults who have never received the Tdap vaccination as adolescents should get a dose, followed by a booster shot every 10 years. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
Tetanus, often called lockjaw, is caused by bacteria found in soil, dust, and manure, and can enter the body through deep cuts or burns. It causes painful stiffening of the muscles and can lead to serious health problems, including difficulty opening the mouth and swallowing. Diphtheria, which can affect the tonsils, throat, nose, or skin, is also highly contagious and can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or even death. Pertussis, or whooping cough, causes violent coughing fits that make it challenging to breathe and can lead to weight loss, loss of bladder control, and rib fractures in teens and adults.
The Td vaccine, on the other hand, protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis. It is recommended as a booster shot for those who have received the primary Tdap vaccination in their childhood. This is especially important if you sustain a deep cut or burn, as it helps prevent tetanus infections that can enter the body through wounds.
The Tdap and Td vaccines are crucial for older adults as they help prevent serious illnesses and protect against potentially fatal diseases. They are recommended by health officials and the CDC, and can be safely administered with minimal side effects. It is important to keep your vaccinations up to date and consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
The flu vaccine is one of the most important vaccines for seniors, as older people are more susceptible to the flu, and it can lead to pneumonia and other serious complications. The CDC recommends that people age 65 and older receive a higher-dose flu vaccine or an adjuvanted flu vaccine.
Yes, in addition to the flu vaccine, there are two vaccines specifically for pneumonia: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or Prevnar 13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 or Pneumovax23). These vaccines are recommended for people ages 65 and older, as well as younger individuals who are at increased risk due to certain medical conditions.
Yes, the shingles vaccine is recommended for people over 50. Shingles is a painful rash that can lead to ongoing nerve pain. Additionally, the Tdap or Td booster vaccine is important for preventing tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Seniors are more vulnerable to these diseases and should receive a booster every 10 years.
