Over 60? The 6 most important vaccines to get right now

Getting older after a hard life full of ups and downs, and ebbs and flows, feels like a breath of relief – you can finally wind down and spend time the way you want to. However, reality differs as various health-related issues start to catch up with old age. But getting older shouldn’t imply getting sicker and more often, or even feeling like you’re defenseless against nasty health scares.

The truth is, as we pass 60, our immune system slows down, making us more vulnerable to an array of infections that can be serious, painful, or even life-threatening. Think flu, pneumonia, shingles, RSV, and even COVID-19. As we age, our defenses weaken, making serious infections more likely and riskier. And getting infected doesn’t only mess with our overall health, slash down our immunity, and make us weaker – it also breaks our confidence to live life on our own terms.

That’s where vaccines come to the rescue. They’re like invisible bodyguards – quiet, effective, dependable, and always on duty. Some guard your heart; others your lungs, or even your comfort and independence. With health experts calling these shots game-changers, now’s the perfect time to check your immunization status and power up your protection.

The flu virus isn’t a one-and-done deal – it mutates, making you, especially at 60+, a prime target. Doctors strongly recommend getting your annual flu shot, preferably the high-dose or adjuvanted versions designed for seniors, for stronger protection. These shots help prevent severe respiratory illness, hospitalizations, and complications like pneumonia.

COVID-19 isn’t behind us. Updated boosters targeting the latest variants, like Omicron XBB.15, are available and recommended, especially for adults 65 and older. These boosters help reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and Long COVID.

Pneumonia can hit hard in your 60s. The CDC advises adults 65+ (and sometimes earlier) to get pneumococcal vaccines, including Prevnar and PPSV-23, which shield you against dangerous infections affecting your lungs, bloodstream, and brain.

Shingles isn’t just a rash – it’s a long, painful disruption. The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective (over 90%) and recommended for everyone 50 and older to prevent shingles and its nerve-wracking aftermath. Even better, new research suggests the shingles vaccine may lower dementia risk by about 20% over seven years. It’s not just a shot, it’s brain insurance.

Remember tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough? They never forgot you. Adults need one Tdap vaccine if they’ve never had it, and then Td (or Tdap) boosters every ten years. They’re simple, effective, and protect you and those around you from old but still dangerous infections.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is no longer just a child’s worry. Rather, it can be serious in older adults. The CDC now recommends RSV vaccination:

All adults who are 75+

Adults 60-74 who are at increased risk (e.g., with chronic health issues)

Apart from these, some vaccines may be necessary based on your health or lifestyle:

Hepatitis B: Recommended for those 60+ with risk factors, such as liver disease, diabetes, or high exposure risk. Others can choose to receive it if requested.

Other possible shots: Depending on your medical history, you might also need vaccines like hepatitis A, Hib, meningococcal, MMR (if under age 68), and varicella.