Staying Protected: What Vaccines Do Seniors Need?
Always Best Care TeamAuthor
February 18, 2026
As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making older adults more vulnerable to certain illnesses and complications. Staying up to date on recommended vaccinations is an essential part of healthy aging and maintaining independence.
Adults over the age of 65 face a higher risk of serious illness and hospitalization from infections that are often preventable. Vaccines can:
Speak with a primary care provider during regular checkups and ask about your vaccine record. Keeping a written or digital health record can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss important follow-up doses.
Always Best Care provides personalized in-home care to help seniors manage their health proactively. Our caregivers can assist with appointment reminders, provide transportation to the doctor's office, and offer peace of mind by ensuring nothing important is missed.
Why Vaccines Matter for Older Adults
Adults over the age of 65 face a higher risk of serious illness and hospitalization from infections that are often preventable. Vaccines can:
- Help prevent illness or reduce severity
- Lower the risk of hospitalization and complications
- Help protect people around you, including grandchildren
- Keep chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease from worsening after infection
- Flu (Influenza): Seniors are at increased risk of complications from the flu. High-dose flu vaccines are often recommended for those 65 and older.
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster): The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and up, even if they’ve had shingles in the past. This two-dose vaccine helps prevent shingles and painful nerve conditions.
- Pneumococcal: This protects against diseases that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. Adults 65 and older should speak with their doctor about the appropriate dose.
- RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Now available for adults over 60, this vaccine helps prevent severe respiratory illness, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
- COVID-19: Keeping up with recommended boosters remains a priority for protecting older adults from serious health setbacks.
Essential Vaccines for Seniors
How to Stay Protected
Speak with a primary care provider during regular checkups and ask about your vaccine record. Keeping a written or digital health record can help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss important follow-up doses.
Always Best Care provides personalized in-home care to help seniors manage their health proactively. Our caregivers can assist with appointment reminders, provide transportation to the doctor's office, and offer peace of mind by ensuring nothing important is missed.
