Maintaining health and wellness as a senior is important. Older adults can be susceptible to serious health-related complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses, especially if they have certain chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease or lung disease. Additionally, these health-related complications can be severe: hospitalization, eye damage, or even heart attacks. Keep reading to learn about common vaccinations recommended for seniors and the benefits of staying up-to-date.

Common Vaccinations Recommended for Seniors

Some vaccinations are only required once every few years, and some should be updated yearly.

• Influenza (Flu) Vaccine – The flu vaccine can help prevent you from getting the flu or becoming seriously ill from it. The flu can cause serious complications in older adults. Yearly vaccines are released in the fall.

• Pneumococcal Vaccine – This vaccine is recommended for adults 65 and older. It helps prevent pneumococcal disease, which causes infections such as pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections.

• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine – The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and older. Shingles are not life-threatening, but serious complications, such as eye damage and vision loss, can result from shingles.

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine – This vaccine protects against tetanus (lockjaw), pertussis (whooping cough) and diphtheria, which can lead to breathing problems. A booster is recommended every 10 years.

• COVID-19 Vaccine – The COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent you from getting COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill from it. Yearly vaccines are released in the fall.

Before getting any vaccinations, talk to your doctor about which vaccinations he or she would recommend for you.

Benefits of Staying Up-to-Date on Vaccines

In addition to protecting yourself from serious health-related complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses, getting vaccinated has a host of other benefits:

• Increasing the likelihood that you’ll stay healthy and able to enjoy life.

• Protecting your friends and family members by not spreading vaccine-preventable illnesses.

• Contributing to public health and herd immunity.

Touchstone Communities offer skilled nursing and short-term care, long-term care, memory care and rehab. We support the health and wellness of our patients, residents and Veterans by helping them stay up-to-date with vaccinations. Contact Touchstone Communities for more information.