6 Essential Vaccines Every Person Over 65 Should Consider

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6 Essential Vaccines Every Person Over 65 Should Consider

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Vaccines for 65 & Over

As a Pharmacist, I believe vaccines are an important component to keeping yourself healthy
and achieving the goals you have in life. This is especially important to several different
populations; the elderly, the very young and those with certain medical conditions. I also believe
it is a personal decision and every person can choose what is best for their life.

Vaccines recommended for people over 65:

1. Influenza(flu)
2. Covid 19
3. Pneumococcal
4. Shingles
5. RSV
6. Tdap

Influenza(Flu)

The influenza virus is highly contagious and everybody should receive the vaccine once a
year in fall before flu season begins. For people over 65 there are specific flu vaccines that
improve the immune system’s response to the vaccine. Please make sure to ask your health
care provider for the correct formulation for your age.
This virus can cause upper respiratory symptoms, worsening of underlying conditions: copd
emphysema, diabetes etc. This virus can lead to hospitalizations and unfortunately death.

Covid 19

It is very important for people over 65 to receive the most recent version of the covid 19
vaccine. This will contain up to date variants and provide the best coverage.

Pneumococcal (pneumonia)

Everyone over 65 years should receive this vaccine. It is caused by a bacterial infection that
can lead to infections of lung, ears, sinuses and bloodstream. This can lead to serious
complications including pneumonia, infections in the spinal cord and lining of the brain and
death.

Shingles

This vaccine is for everyone over 50 that has had chicken pox. Shingles is the chickenpox
vaccine that has been dormant in your body. As we age or are immunocompromised, the virus
reappears as Shingles. This is a very painful rash with significant nerve pain involvement. This
discomfort can last for months. Some people develop a rash on the face and can threaten the
eyes and ears. This virus can lead to long term nerve pain and possibly blindness.

RSV(respiratory syncytal virus)

The CDC recommendations for RSV is for everyone over 75 years old to receive this vaccine.
This virus is very contagious and can lead to pneumonia and inflammation of the small airways
in the lung.
This is a ONE time shot best given early fall or late summer.
Now for the population between 60 to 74 years old RSV is recommended for these
individuals:

1. Chronic heart or lung disease
2. Weakened immune system
3. Diabetes
4. Obesity with BMI of 40 or more
5. Living in a nursing home or long term facility

Tdap(tetanus diphtheria and pertussis)

This vaccine covers 3 different contagents. Tetanus is found in bacterial spores in soil and
dust. Diphtheria is a viral infection that can lead to a thick mucus build up in the nose and throat
that can lead to difficulty breathing. Pertussis or whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the
respiratory system. This can lead to severe coughing fits, breathing issues and is dangerous for
the very young. By getting the vaccine you prevent a transfer of the disease to newborns.

I give you this information so you, as an individual, can make the best decision for yourself.
Vaccines were developed to prevent the diseases that most threaten the human population.
Everyone should remember that flu and RSV season is coming, usually December to March.
Wash your hands, avoid crowds, use hand sanitizer, and wipe down surfaces regularly.

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