Vaccines for seniors: Recommendations and safety tips – MedicalNewsToday

Vaccines can help protect older adults from certain illnesses. Healthcare professionals recommend specific vaccines for older adults, such as flu, pneumococcal, and Tdap.
Vaccines can be essential for older adults because their immune system can weaken as they age, making it more difficult for their bodies to fight infection.
Older adults may be more likely to develop certain illnesses, such as shingles, the flu, and pneumonia. They may also be more likely to develop serious complications from illnesses and infections that can lead to hospitalization, long-term illness, and even death.
If a person has a chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, getting the recommended vaccines can be even more important. These vaccines can protect people from serious illness and potential complications.
COVID-19 vaccines can help the body build immunity to the viruses that cause COVID-19 without transmitting the illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults ages 65 years and older receive at least 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
There are a few facts to keep in mind about the COVID-19 vaccines:
Influenza (flu) is a virus that can cause:
If the flu virus enters the lungs, it can cause serious illness. The CDC notes that people ages 65 years and older are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu.
They indicate that around 70% to 85% of flu-related deaths in the United States in recent years were among people 65 years and older. Also, people in the same age group accounted for around 50% to 70% of flu-related hospitalizations.
Specific flu vaccines are recommended for older adults. The CDC recommends that adults in this age group receive the flu vaccine annually. September and October are generally the best times to receive this vaccine, and everyone should receive it by the end of October.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that can cause mild, cold-like symptoms. However, older adults may have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms.
According to the CDC, 110,000 to 180,000 adults ages 50 and older in the United States are hospitalized due to RSV each year. Adults ages 75 years and older are generally at a higher risk of developing more serious symptoms and complications from RSV.
The CDC recommends that all adults ages 75 and older receive the RSV vaccine. Adults ages 50 to 74 should speak to their healthcare professional about whether they should receive the vaccine.
The RSV vaccine is a single dose.
Medicare will cover many vaccines and immunizations. Medicare Part D generally covers most vaccines, including RSV and shingles. Medicare Part B covers vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) also offers the same coverage for vaccines and immunizations. However, it is important to check your plan for specific coverage information.
Pneumococcal disease can be transmitted easily from person to person through the air. When it affects the lungs, it is called pneumonia. However, it can also affect other parts of the body.
Older adults may be at a higher risk of developing severe pneumococcal disease, and it can be fatal.
The CDC recommends that all adults ages 50 years and older receive the pneumococcal vaccine. You can receive 1 or 2 doses, depending on your risk factors.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are bacterial illnesses that can cause serious illness and even death.
The CDC recommends that all adults ages 19 years and older receive the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) or tetanus, diphtheria (Td) vaccine every 10 years.
Shingles is the result of the same virus as chickenpox. If you have had chickenpox in the past, the virus is still in your system. The virus can become active again as you age, leading to shingles.
Shingles affects the nerves. Symptoms typically include:
Even after the rash clears, the pain can remain.
The shingles vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing shingles in adults 50 years and older with strong immune systems. People receive the vaccine in two doses, separated by 2 to 6 months.
The CDC recommends that all adults ages 50 years and older receive the shingles vaccine.
Vaccines are generally safe. They can help prevent serious and even life threatening illnesses.
The most common side effects of vaccines are mild and include redness or discoloration, pain, and swelling at the vaccination site.
Before getting any vaccination, a person should speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist about their health history and allergies. They can address any concerns.
Older adults are at a higher risk of developing various illnesses and may be at a higher risk of developing complications.
Vaccines are available to help protect people from developing many illnesses. The CDC recommends vaccines, such as the flu, COVID-19, shingles, and RSV for all older adults.
A person can speak with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate and important vaccines for them.
 
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