What You Need to Know

As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making us more susceptible to infections and illness. For senior citizens, staying healthy can sometimes be a challenge, but one of the most effective ways to protect yourself is through vaccinations. In this article, we’ll explore the key vaccines that are especially important for older adults and discuss why staying up to date with them can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life.

Why Vaccines Matter for Seniors

Vaccines are not just for children. In fact, as we get older, some vaccines lose their effectiveness, and the risks of certain diseases increase. Conditions such as pneumonia, shingles, and flu can become more severe in older adults, leading to complications like hospitalization or even death.

Additionally, some seniors may have underlying health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or chronic lung disease, which further increase the risks associated with preventable infections. Vaccinations help reduce these risks by boosting your immune system and offering protection against specific diseases.

Key Vaccines for Senior Citizens

  1. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: The flu is not just an inconvenience, it can be dangerous, particularly for people over 65. Every year, the flu leads to serious complications in seniors, including pneumonia. The CDC recommends that everyone 65 and older get a high-dose flu vaccine annually, as it is formulated to better stimulate the aging immune system. Even if the flu vaccine doesn’t entirely prevent infection, it often reduces the severity of the illness. Remember, the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1920 was one of the deadliest of all time with estimates of death ranging from 17 to 50 million with some estimates as high as 100 million.
  2. Pneumococcal Vaccine: Pneumococcal diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, are significant threats to older adults. The CDC recommends two types of pneumococcal vaccines for those 65 and older:
    1. PCV20 or PPSV23: Typically given once, offering broad protection against the most common strains of pneumococcus.  If you have never been vaccinated, the PCV20 is the main recommendation.
    1. PPSV23: If PCV15 was given initially, a dose of PPSV23 should be given at least one year later.  If you had the older PCV13 (but not PCV15), your physician may recommend the PCV20 for additional coverage. The combinations of pneumococcal vaccines can be confusing, so check with your physician.
  3. Shingles Vaccine (Herpes Zoster): Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster) and is more common and severe in older adults. The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for adults over 50 and is given in two doses. Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and its most serious complication, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful condition that can last for months or even years after the rash disappears.
  4. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): Every adult should receive a Tdap booster, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (pertussis). For seniors, a Td booster is recommended every 10 years to maintain protection. Tetanus can enter the body through cuts or scrapes.  Both pertussis, which is increasing in incidence, and diphtheria, which is extremely rare, can be serious, or fatal, for older adults.
  5. COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters: While the pandemic has become more manageable, COVID-19 still poses a threat, especially to older adults. COVID vaccines and boosters have significantly reduced severe illness and hospitalization. Unvaccinated patients are 2.5 times more likely to die from a COVID-19 infection than are the vaccinated.  The discrepancy is even higher among older patients. The CDC continues to update its guidelines for boosters, so it’s important for seniors to stay current with recommendations, especially if they have underlying   conditions. 
  6. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine: RSV is a common virus that can cause severe respiratory illness in older adults.  It is recommended for most adults beginning at age 60.  Consideration should be given to vaccinating younger adults with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system due to cancer or chronic immunosuppressant medications.  

The Benefits of Staying Up to Date

Vaccinations for seniors are about more than just preventing illness. They help reduce the severity of disease, prevent complications, and decrease the likelihood of hospitalization. Staying current with vaccines also has a community benefit.  By protecting yourself, you help limit the spread of contagious diseases to more vulnerable populations, including those with weakened immune systems.

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

As always, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider before getting vaccinated, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Your doctor can help you determine which vaccines are most appropriate for you based on your age, medical history, and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Vaccinations are a critical part of staying healthy as we age. By keeping your vaccines up to date, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the overall health of your community. If you’re unsure about which vaccines you need, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss a vaccination plan that will keep you protected for years to come. Remember: Prevention is the best medicine, and vaccines are a simple, safe, and effective way to reduce the risk of serious illness as we get older.