Vaccines for Seniors: How to Protect Yourself and Your Parents

Seniors need protection beyond just COVID-19 and flu vaccines. That’s because as we age, our immune systems weaken, making us more vulnerable to infections and diseases. Vaccines can lessen the impact of, or in some cases, prevent those infections or diseases from arising.

It can be hard to know all the vaccines seniors should get and how often. Here’s a rundown of the most common ones and what you need to know about each — what it protects against and when to get it, and the most common side effects. Please discuss possible side effects with your provider or pharmacist, as the listed side effects will not be exhaustive. 

7 Vaccines Recommended for Seniors

Several vaccines are important for seniors to get. Some of these apply to everyone while others are specifically for older adults, but they all aim to keep people from getting sick with devastating diseases and prevent viruses from spreading to vulnerable populations. These are the vaccines seniors frequently get.

1. Pneumococcal Vaccine

Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also commonly referred to as pneumococcus. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections caused by the bacteria. People 65 and older should discuss options without their provider to determine which vaccine is appropriate. 

• Dosage and Timing: PCV13 is a one-time vaccine for seniors. PPSV23 is a single dose recommended at least one year after the PCV13 vaccine. Occasionally, seniors may need a second dose. 
• Potential Side Effects: The most common ones are drowsiness or swelling at the injection site.

2. Shingles Vaccine

Shingles(Opens in a new window) causes a painful rash that can last for months. The varicella-zoster virus causes shingles and chickenpox. For anyone who had chickenpox when they were younger, the virus can reactivate. When this happens in older adults, it causes shingles.

The CDC recommends the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for those 50 and older. If your loved one previously had the Zostavax shingles vaccine, the CDC recommends additional vaccination with Shingrix.

• Dosage and Timing: Shingrix is a two-part vaccine. The first dose can be given at any time. The second dose needs to be administered two to six months after the first dose.
• Potential Side Effects: Redness and swelling at the injection site are common. 

3. Tetanus Vaccine

Tetanus(Opens in a new window) can lead to painful muscle stiffness and spasms and sometimes results in breathing difficulty and life-threatening complications. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria. However, there is currently no cure for tetanus, which is why remaining up to date on vaccination is critical.

• Dosage and Timing: The vaccine is administered as part of the Tdap (tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis) immunization. Everyone needs an update every 10 years.
• Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and fatigue are common.

Important note: The Tdap vaccine also protects against pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, which can be deadly for infants. Children usually receive the first dose of the vaccine at 2 months, but seniors who are grandparents may want to be updated on the vaccine as well to ensure pertussis does not spread.

4. COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine(Opens in a new window) reduces the likelihood of contracting the specific strains of coronavirus that caused the global pandemic of the early 2020s. If you do contract the virus, the vaccine may keep you from developing a severe illness and complications.

• Dosage and Timing:
  • Primary series: This is typically two doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) given three to four weeks apart or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
  • Booster doses: Depending on the vaccine type and the latest health guidelines, people may need boosters over time.
• Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and fatigue are the most commonly reported.

5. RSV Vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract, usually causing mild cold-like symptoms. In seniors and infants, it can be serious. People 60 or older are eligible for the RSV vaccine(Opens in a new window) and should discuss it with their doctors.

• Dosage and Timing: Two single-dose vaccines, Arexvy (by GSK) and Abrysvo (by Pfizer), are available for those 60 and older. 
• Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and muscle pain are common.

6. Flu Vaccine

Influenza, also known as the flu(Opens in a new window), is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. Older adults may be at higher risk. Additionally, the flu can exacerbate existing health problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke and lead to more serious infections. The influenza vaccine, also known as the flu shot, protects against the flu, and is made each year to protect against the strains of the flu that are predicted to be most common during the upcoming season.

• Dosage and Timing: This is an annual vaccine. Ideally, get the shot in September or October before flu season begins.
• Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and muscle aches are the most common.

7. Hepatitis B Vaccine

Hepatitis B(Opens in a new window) is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The CDC recommends the hepatitis B vaccination for those ages 60 and older who are at increased risk of exposure. Your loved one and their doctor can decide whether this vaccine is needed.

• Dosage and Timing: The hepatitis B(Opens in a new window) vaccine can be a series of two, three or four shots, depending on the type of vaccine given and the person’s health needs. You need at least three doses of the vaccine to give you the best protection. There's usually a month gap between each dose, but sometimes all three doses can be given within 21 days (with a fourth dose at 12 months) if you need faster or additional protection.
• Potential Side Effects: Pain at the injection site and fatigue are common.

Considerations for Seniors When Getting Vaccinated

Seniors, especially those with chronic conditions, benefit immensely from vaccines. But not all vaccines are appropriate for everyone. Involve the primary care provider and make sure they know all the vaccines your loved one has and has not received.

Here are important questions to ask a medical professional before getting a vaccine:

• Which Vaccines Do You Recommend? Some vaccines may be unnecessary. Some, such as travel vaccines, depend on your loved one’s lifestyle.
• Can I Receive Multiple Vaccines at the Same Time? Receiving several of the recommended vaccines(Opens in a new window) at a single appointment may be easier, but always talk to a health care professional.
• What Are the Potential Side Effects of Each Vaccine? Each vaccine has potential side effects, so please discuss these with your medical provider or pharmacist to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Vaccinations

What Is Herd Immunity, and Why Is It Important?

Herd immunity happens when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to a disease through vaccination or previous infection. As more people become immune, the spread of the disease slows. This protects people who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons (e.g., newborns and people with weakened immune systems). By getting vaccinated, you and your loved one help keep everyone safe.

Are Vaccines Safe for Older Adults?

Yes. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing(Opens in a new window) in clinical trials before approval. After approval, the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration continue routinely monitoring vaccine safety. The benefits of vaccination (reduced illness, hospitalization and death) far outweigh the minimal risks.

Can the Flu Vaccine Cause the Flu? Can the COVID-19 Vaccine Cause COVID-19?

No. The inactivated vaccines cannot cause the flu or COVID-19. Vaccines contain harmless versions of disease-causing viruses or bacteria. They nevertheless trigger the body's defense system to produce antibodies to fight the infection. In other words, they stimulate an immune response(Opens in a new window) without causing illness.

Will Vaccines Make Me sick?

No. Some people may experience mild side effects such as a mild fever, but that’s normal. It’s a sign that your body is building immunity against the disease.

Why Do My Loved Ones and I Need So Many Vaccines as Adults?

The older we get, the weaker our immune systems become. We are more susceptible to illness. When they do get sick, older people are more likely to face severe complications than younger people.

Vaccinations: Your Role as a Caregiver

You can help ensure your parent or other loved one receives all the appropriate vaccines by:

• Keeping track of their vaccination schedules
• Reminding them of the importance of vaccines
• Assisting with making and attending appointments
• Gathering relevant paperwork, including proof of vaccines given elsewhere
• Monitoring for side effects and seeking care for severe cases promptly

With so much information (and misinformation) available on vaccines, it can be challenging to find answers. For more information, consult your health care professional along with reputable sources such as the CDC and the World Health Organization.

How BrightStar Care® Can Help

BrightStar Care nurses can help the seniors they care for keep track of vaccination documentation, help them make and attend appointments and provide after-vaccine care. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.