Q: What vaccines do older adults need?
A: The immune system weakens as the body ages, leading to vulnerability to infections.
That’s why vaccines become even more important for older adults. Vaccines prepare and reactivate the immune system, and that’s how they reduce the risk of serious illnesses that could lead to complications, hospitalization and potentially death. So, which ones should you be thinking about?
The flu shot is an easy one to check off the list. Getting it annually can prevent severe cases of influenza, which unfortunately still causes thousands of deaths annually (per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, the 2023-24 flu season caused 40 million illnesses, 18 million medical visits, 470,000 hospitalizations and 28,000 deaths). And while we’re on the topic of viruses, staying up to date with COVID-19 boosters is a smart move to avoid serious illness.
Another important one is the pneumococcal vaccine, aka the pneumonia shot, which protects against severe pneumonia, as well as other invasive infections like meningitis and bacteremia. There are different versions of this vaccine, so your doctor can help you figure out which is best for you.
Then there’s the shingles vaccine. If you’ve ever known someone who had shingles, you know it’s not something you want to deal with. The vaccine, called Shingrix, is recommended for anyone over 50 and helps prevent this painful rash and the potential lifetime nerve pain.
Remember the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) booster. Even if you had it when you were younger, getting a booster every 10 years keeps you protected. And recently, respiratory syncytial virus vaccines have been approved to help seniors avoid severe respiratory infections — something to consider, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
The best way to stay ahead of those risks is to have a conversation with your doctor, who will guide you on which vaccines fit your health needs and lifestyle. Prevention is key, and a few simple shots can go a long way in keeping you healthy and out of the hospital.
— Dr. Kim Nguyen is an internal medicine specialist with Drs. Heinsohn, Donowitz, Rybolt, and Nguyen and a member of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society.