Vaccines Every Senior Needs: Staying Healthy After 65
Most adults over 65 know they should get a flu shot each year, and yet according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about one in three older adults still skip it. The flu shot isn’t the only important protection being missed. Many seniors also fall behind on vaccines for pneumonia, shingles, and tetanus. Each of which can help prevent serious illness or even hospitalization. In this article we will discuss some of the vaccines every senior needs, and where you can get them locally.
As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, making it harder to fight off infections. Older adults are more likely to experience severe complications from diseases like the flu, shingles, and pneumonia — and recovery can take longer. Fortunately, staying current with recommended vaccines is one of the easiest ways to protect your health and independence.
If you’re unsure which vaccines are right for you, talk to your doctor or local pharmacist. Most are covered under Medicare Part B or D, and many are available at local pharmacies throughout San Luis Obispo County, including county public health locations in San Luis Obispo, and Paso Robles.
💉 Four Essential Vaccines Every Senior Needs
Flu Vaccine
Get your annual flu shot as soon as it becomes available each fall. Adults 65 and older are at the highest risk for serious flu complications.
- The CDC estimates that up to 85% of flu-related deaths and 70% of hospitalizations occur in this age group.
- If you have a chronic condition such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, a flu vaccine is especially important.
Ask your provider if a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine is recommended — these versions are designed specifically for older immune systems.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumonia can strike at any age, but it’s particularly dangerous for older adults. The pneumococcal vaccine helps prevent serious lung infections caused by pneumococcus bacteria.
- The CDC recommends two vaccines: Prevnar 13 (PCV13) and Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23), usually given one year apart.
- Each year, pneumonia causes over 150,000 hospitalizations in the U.S., most among adults 65 and older.
If you have chronic heart, lung, or immune conditions, your doctor may recommend an earlier or additional dose.
Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)
The shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults age 50 and older — even if you’ve already had shingles or received the older Zostavax vaccine.
- Shingles cause a painful rash and blisters that can linger for weeks or months.
- The current Shingrix vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and its most common complication, post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Most pharmacies in San Luis Obispo County now offer Shingrix, usually as a two-dose series given 2–6 months apart.
Tdap or Td Booster (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Everyone should receive one Tdap vaccine in adulthood, followed by a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster every 10 years.
- Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has seen a resurgence in recent years.
- Staying current not only protects you but also helps safeguard newborns and young children around you.
If you can’t remember your last booster, ask your doctor or check your vaccination records.
🩺 Vaccines Every Senior Needs & Staying Protected and Informed
Even if vaccines don’t provide 100% protection, they can dramatically reduce the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization. Talk to your healthcare provider about any allergies, chronic conditions, or medications that might affect your vaccine schedule.
Keeping up to date with vaccines every senior needs is an important part of healthy aging. At Senior Living Consultants we are dedicated to helping you stay active, connected, and well-protected well into your golden years.
✅ Local Tip
In San Luis Obispo County, vaccines are available at most major pharmacies, county health clinics, and through primary care providers. You can also check the SLO County Public Health Department website for free or low-cost vaccination events or reach.