How older adults can help their weakening immune systems
As you age, your immune system naturally and gradually weakens. Yet, many older adults aren’t getting the recommended preventive vaccines.
In 2023, about two-thirds of adults ages 65 and older did not receive the updated COVID vaccine, and more than one-third did not receive that year’s flu vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“Older adults are more susceptible to illness,” says Dr. Ariba Khan, a geriatric medicine specialist at Aurora Health Care. “I realize there is vaccine fatigue with a large number of vaccines that we are required to take, but getting these vaccines is one of the most important things older adults can do to protect their health.”
The American Geriatrics Society’s Older Adults Vaccine Initiative has identified four vaccines – COVID, influenza, pneumonia and shingles – that are particularly important to the health of people over the age of 65.
The big four (plus two more)
1. Influenza
The overwhelming majority of influenza-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older, according to the CDC. The vaccine is particularly important for residents of nursing homes, caregivers for older adults and people with serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, lung cancer and HIV. Updated flu shots are available each fall.
2. Pneumonia
The pneumococcal vaccine can prevent life-threatening respiratory infections caused by the pneumococcal bacteria, including pneumonia. The vaccine schedule may vary depending on the type of pneumococcal vaccine received.
3. COVID
The COVID vaccine is recommended for everyone ages 65 and older whenever an updated version of the vaccine is made available. This makes sure they have continued protection against emerging variants of the virus.
4. Shingles
The shingles vaccine, also known as the herpes zoster vaccine, is recommended for everyone ages 50 and above, even if they have previously had shingles or received a shingles shot. The vaccine typically requires two doses, with the second dose administered between two and six months after the first.
5. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV affects the lung similarly to influenza. The CDC recommends older adults consult their health care provider on whether they should receive the vaccine, which is typically one dose, administered in the fall or winter.
6. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis
The Tdap vaccine is a combination of three vaccines that protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). A one-time dose is recommended for people ages 65 and older who have not previously received the shot.
These vaccines are all generally covered by insurance and available at your local pharmacy. Your local health department can also provide guidance on where to find a particular vaccine.
“Vaccines are very safe and effective for most people,” Dr. Khan says. “If you have concerns about side effects or safety, speak with your primary care clinician.”
Dr. Khan, principal investigator, and Michelle Simpson, co-investigator and research scientist for Advocate Aurora Research Institute, recently received funding from the CDC and American Geriatric Society for their four-year quality improvement project that aims to boost overall immunization rates among older patients.
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About the Author
Nick Bullock, health enews contributor, is a scientific writer and editor for Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. He is a former newspaper reporter and magazine editor with a background in science and research reporting. When he’s not writing about the latest health care research, Nick is usually hiking through Wisconsin state parks, reading sci-fi novels or historical nonfiction, trying new recipes, agonizing over Minnesota sports franchises and playing games with his family.
