What vaccines do adults over 65 actually need each year?

✓ Accepted answer

Adults over 65 do not require annual vaccination for all recommended immunizations, but they should receive an annual influenza shot every year and keep their Td/Tdap tetanus booster current every ten years.

Influenza: The CDC recommends the flu vaccine annually for everyone over six months old. For those over 65, high-dose or adjuvanted formulations are preferred as they often induce a stronger immune response. This is the primary shot your father will encounter every fall at his pharmacy.

Pneumococcal: The NIH notes that adults 65 and older generally need both Prevnar 20 (PCV20) or a combination of PCV15 followed by PPSV23. If he has not received these in the last five years, his primary care provider should review his history to determine the specific regimen needed, as this is not an annual requirement but a one-time or catch-up series.

RSV: Newer recommendations include two single-dose vaccines for adults 60 and older (or 50-59 with specific risk factors). This is typically a one-time dose, not a recurring annual shot, though it is administered seasonally.

Shingles: The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and older. It requires two doses given two to six months apart. Once completed, this protection is long-lasting, so he would not need to repeat this annually unless he has never received it, in which case it is a priority catch-up.

Tetanus: Since his last tetanus shot was years ago, he is likely overdue for a Tdap or Td booster. The CDC advises a tetanus booster every ten years. If it has been more than ten years, he should get this immediately, and then update every decade.

Pharmacies may highlight different options based on current seasonal priorities, but a baseline check with a healthcare provider ensures he catches up on the one-time shots like Shingrix and RSV before focusing on the annual flu shot.

admin · 2026-09-29 07:30:54