Vaccines for Healthy Aging

Prevention Is Our Best Medicine 

Staying healthy as we age means taking steps to prevent illness before it starts. Vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves, our families and our communities. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization and complications, especially as we age.   

“Vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways people can protect their long-term health,” says Nicole Shields, MD, a primary care physician with Covenant Medical Group. “As we get older, our risk for serious complications from illnesses such as influenza, pneumonia, RSV and shingles increases. Staying current with recommended vaccines can help prevent hospitalization, preserve independence and keep us healthy enough to enjoy the activities and people we love.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regularly updates vaccine recommendations as new vaccines become available and research continues to improve our understanding of disease prevention. For adults age 50 and older, staying current on recommended vaccines is an important part of preventive care and healthy aging. The latest CDC Adult Immunization Schedule is available HERE.

Vaccine Recommendations for Adults 50+ 

Pneumococcal Vaccine 

The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults age 50 and older. Even if you’ve received previous pneumonia vaccines, newer options such as PCV20 and PCV21 protect against additional strains and may offer broader protection. These vaccines are typically given as a one-time dose for most adults. 

RSV Vaccine 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause serious illness in older adults. The RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults age 75 and older, as well as adults ages 50 to 74 who have certain chronic medical conditions, including asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease or weakened immune systems. RSV can lead to severe respiratory complications and hospitalization. 

Flu Vaccine 

Influenza remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable hospitalization among older adults. Because immune systems naturally become less effective with age, adults 65 and older face a higher risk of serious flu-related complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization and death. 

The flu vaccine is updated annually to protect against the strains experts expect to circulate during the upcoming flu season. Last year’s vaccine will not provide protection against this year’s flu viruses, making annual vaccination essential. 

For adults age 65 and older, the CDC preferentially recommends enhanced flu vaccines designed to create a stronger immune response, including: 

• High-dose influenza vaccines 

• Adjuvanted influenza vaccines 

• Recombinant influenza vaccines 

If one of these options is not available, receiving any age-appropriate flu vaccine is still recommended rather than delaying vaccination. 

COVID-19 Vaccine 

COVID-19 continues to pose a greater risk for older adults and people with chronic health conditions. Staying up to date with current CDC COVID-19 vaccine recommendations can help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and complications from circulating variants. 

Shingles Vaccine 

If you’re 50 or older, the shingles vaccine is an important part of preventive care. The two-dose Shingrix series is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, a painful nerve complication that can last for months or even years. While some people experience temporary soreness after vaccination, the discomfort is typically far less severe than the pain and complications caused by shingles itself. 

Tetanus and Pertussis (Whooping Cough) 

Adults who have never received a Tdap vaccine should get one, particularly if they spend time around infants. After the initial dose, a booster is recommended every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. 

Hepatitis B Vaccine 

Many people don’t realize hepatitis B can affect adults later in life. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can cause chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer. 

The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccination for all adults ages 19 to 59 and for adults 60 and older who have risk factors such as diabetes, chronic liver disease, kidney disease or other conditions that increase exposure risk. Adults age 60 and older without risk factors may also choose to receive the vaccine for added protection. 

Depending on the vaccine used, hepatitis B protection is provided through a series of two or three doses. Vaccination offers safe, long-term protection against a potentially serious disease. 

Addressing Common Misconceptions 

“I’m healthy, so I don’t need vaccines.” 

Even healthy adults benefit from vaccination. Age alone increases the risk of complications from illnesses such as pneumonia, influenza, shingles and COVID-19. Vaccines help prevent serious illness before it occurs. 

“I never had chickenpox, so I don’t need the shingles vaccine.” 

Most adults born before 1980 were exposed to the virus that causes chickenpox, even if they don’t remember having the illness. Vaccination remains the best way to protect against shingles. 

“I’ve never had hepatitis, so I don’t need the hepatitis B vaccine.” 

Many people with hepatitis B don’t know they have been exposed because symptoms can be mild or absent. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent infection and reduce the risk of long-term liver complications. 

“Can I get multiple vaccines at once?” 

Yes. In most cases, it is safe to receive more than one vaccine during the same visit. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best schedule for your individual needs. 

“The flu vaccine gives you the flu.” 

The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. The injectable flu vaccines contain either inactivated (killed) virus or viral proteins that cannot cause infection. Some people may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache or a low-grade fever for a day or two after vaccination, but these symptoms are not the flu. 

Where Should You Get Vaccinated? 

Covenant Health makes it easy to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations. Our primary care providers can review your vaccine history, answer questions and help you determine which vaccines are right for you. 

You can get vaccinated at: 

• Your Covenant Health primary care office
• Local pharmacies
• Community clinics 

No matter where you go, the most important step is staying current on recommended vaccines. If you have questions about your individual health needs, talk with your healthcare provider. 

Covenant Health: Your Partner in Prevention 

We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your health. Vaccines are safe, effective and one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and the people you love. 

Our team of compassionate medical experts provides high-quality care close to home. Schedule an appointment with a Covenant Health primary care provider today and stay up to date on the latest vaccine recommendations.