When we contract a virus, the immune system acts as the body’s defense. Vaccines can help bolster that system, which is especially important as we get older since the immune system often weakens with age. That said, it’s hard to know which vaccines for seniors are required and when to get them. Continue reading for the CDC vaccine recommendations for seniors, including when to get them, which ones are covered by Medicare, and other important information.
Key takeaways
The CDC recommends vaccines for adults 65+, including vaccines for RSV, TDAP, shingles, pneumococcal, and hepatitis A and B. There are a few others that may be recommended for some individuals. How often and when to get each vaccine varies as well.
Medically necessary vaccines are covered under Medicare Parts B or D.
Vaccines may cause side effects, but most have a robust safety profile. There are also steps you can take to prepare ahead of your vaccine appointment.
Why vaccines are important for seniors
Vaccines assist the immune system as it fights off various viral infections and even some types of cancer (depending on the exact vaccine). While they are important for all seniors, those with one or more chronic conditions may particularly benefit from them.
Chronic conditions and Aaging immune systems and higher risk of complications
Aging puts us at higher risk for a variety of long-term and short-term health conditions. According to recent data from the CDC, 93% of Americans over 65 reported at least one chronic condition
Common chronic conditions in older adults include:
Heart disease
Certain types of cancer
Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoperosis
Dementia
Hypertension
Diabetes
Vaccines don’t reduce the risk of developing or help treat these conditions, with the exception of the HPV vaccine, which reduces the risk of many cancers.
However, these conditions weaken the immune system, meaning the body isn’t as able to fight off infections. Vaccines add extra protection against these illnesses, making them even more important for adults over 65 who have one or more chronic conditions.
Preventable diseases that impact older adults most
The good news is that age isn’t the only factor that determines the strength of the immune system; lifestyle choices like exercising often, eating healthy, and getting recommended vaccines positively impact the immune system. Vaccines in particular are targeted toward specific diseases that may decrease quality of life and even increase the risk of death.
Preventable diseases that all older adults should get vaccinated against include:
Influenza (flu)
COVID-19 (discuss with a healthcare provider if it’s right for you)
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Tetanus
Diphtheria
Whooping cough (if not already vaccinated)
Pneumococcal
Measles (if under 68)
Mumps (if under 68)
Rubella (German Measles) (if under 68)
Shingles
Preventable diseases that an older adult should get vaccinated against if they have a qualifying medical condition include:
Hepatitis A and B
Pneumococcal
Meningococcal
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Monkey pox
A healthcare provider can let you know if you’re at higher risk for any of the diseases in the second list and will recommend next steps.
Recommended vaccines for seniors
The recommended vaccines for adults over 65 differ from individual to individual. That said, there are six vaccines the CDC recommends for all or most adults over 65.
Flu shot
Adults over 65 should get the flu shot every year. The exact flu strain changes annually, and the flu shot for older adults is updated to combat that year’s strain. This shot not only decreases the chance of getting the flu but also reduces hospitalizations and fatalities among seniors.
Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV21, PPSV23)
The two types of pneumonia vaccines for elderly adults are:
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15, PCV20, PCV21)
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
For adults over 65 who have never received a PCV, the CDC recommends taking PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21. If you take PCV15, it’s important to follow up with a PPSV23, usually 6-12 months later. For PCV20 and PCV21, a single shot will suffice.
Those who have taken an earlier PCV (PCV7 or PCV13) or both PCV13 and PPSV23 (after the age of 65) can discuss with a provider and decide whether they would like to take a PCV20 or PCV21.
Shingles vaccine (Shingrix)
The shingles vaccine, sometimes referred to as its branded name Shingrix, protects against shingles (herpes zoster). Anyone who had chicken pox is at risk of developing shingles, especially those over the age of 50. This vaccine is administered in two doses, with two to six months between the first and second shot.
Tdap booster
As part of the childhood vaccination schedule, everyone receives the Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. All adults, whether older or younger than 65, are supposed to get a Tdap booster shot every ten years. An additional booster after five years is recommended in case of a severe or dirty wound or burn.
COVID-19 and RSV vaccines
The CDC recommends that most adults 65 years or older get at least two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Some adults may also benefit from an annual booster vaccine, though this should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults 75 years or older. Some adults between the ages of 50 and 75 may also benefit from this vaccine.
MMR vaccine
The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. One or two doses are recommended for adults who are 68 years old or younger who lack evidence of immunity to these diseases (vaccination records or laboratory confirmation). If you are younger than 68 and believe you may benefit from this vaccine, discuss this shot with a healthcare provider.
Vaccine safety and side effects
Any vaccine may cause side effects. The most common ones, such as soreness in the spot where the vaccine was administered, are usually minor and go away on their own.
For many vaccines, mild side effects are actually a good sign. It means your body is learning to build immunity against a specific disease. Plus, vaccines are much safer than the diseases they protect against.
Common reactions
The most common side effects include:
Soreness or swelling where the vaccine was administered
Chills
Muscle aches
Tiredness or fatigue
Headache
Achy joints
Mild fever
When to call a doctor
If any of the more common reactions don’t go away in a few days, call a healthcare provider. Sometimes, more severe side effects occur. These are rare, occurring in about one or two people for every one million vaccine doses given.
Signs of a more severe reaction include:
Trouble breathing
Swelling, especially of the throat or face
Rapid heartbeat
Bad rash
Extreme weakness
Dizziness
More severe reactions require immediate medical attention. Call 9-1-1 or head to the nearest hospital if any of these more serious side effects occur.
Tips to prepare for vaccination day
A healthcare provider should provide educational resources and answer any questions ahead of your vaccination appointment. They may also provide tips or information specific to a certain vaccine.
No matter the vaccine, you can prepare for the appointment in a few ways:
Wear a shirt that’s easy to roll up, ideally a short-sleeve shirt. If cold, wear a jacket that’s easy to get on and off.
Keep any cards or documents where you track your vaccines with you.
Have identification, such as a driver’s license, with you. Some vaccine providers may ask for this.
Review any instructions sent over by the vaccine provider before the appointment.
It may also be possible to get a vaccine through a drop-in clinic. Many of these same tips apply, though you may have to find any instructions on the clinic’s website instead of the vaccine provider sending them.
How to pay for vaccines
Most medically necessary vaccines are covered by health insurance. For Medicare beneficiaries, most are covered under Parts B or D. If uninsured or underinsured, there are some affordable ways to get necessary shots.
Medicare coverage details
Medicare Part B covers:
COVID-19 vaccines
Hepatitis vaccines
Flu shot
Pneumococcal vaccines
Other vaccines related to exposure to a disease, such as rabies, or directly related to an injury someone has, such as tetanus
Medicare Part D covers:
Shingles vaccine
Keep in mind that when you enroll in Medicare, you’re automatically enrolled in Parts A and B. Part D is optional, but it covers many drugs and other medical services that Parts A and B don’t.
Low-cost options at pharmacies and clinics
If a doctor recommends a vaccine that isn’t covered by Medicare or you’re not eligible for Medicare, there are some places that offer low-cost vaccines.
Three national pharmacies with savings programs are:
Senior Wellness Program at CVS (no cost with most insurance plans)
Walgreens vaccine services (no cost with most insurance plans)
Walmart no-cost or low-cost vaccine services ($0 copay with most insurances)
However, you generally need to have insurance coverage to get the benefit of these programs.
For the uninsured, local public health departments may offer free or low-cost vaccines for eligible individuals. The federal government also funds clinics that offer vaccines through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This tool can help you find HRSA-funded centers nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines are mandatory after age 65?
There are no mandatory vaccines in the United States for adults over 65. However, there are vaccines the CDC recommends for adults in this age group. Most are covered under Medicare or private insurance plans.
How often should seniors get the pneumonia shot?
There are two types of pneumonia vaccines for people over 65. These are the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15, PCV20, PCV21) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). While a single shot of either PCV20 or PCV21 is sufficient, if you take PCV15, it is important to follow up with PPSV23 after 6-12 months.
Is the shingles vaccine covered by insurance?
The shingles vaccine may be covered by insurance if you have a private insurance plan, a Medicare Advantage plan, or Medicare Part D coverage. To learn if your plan covers the shingles vaccine, contact your policy provider.
Can I get multiple vaccines at once?
It is sometimes possible to get multiple vaccines at once. Discuss the exact vaccines you want to get on the same day with a healthcare provider, who can determine if it’s safe to get them in the same appointment.
Sources
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