These are the vaccines you need if you are 50 years or older

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, the holiday season will likely see an increase in the spread of respiratory viruses. It also serves as a reminder to take extra care of your health, including vaccination to prevent serious illness.

If you are an adult aged 50 or over, there are a number of things you need to consider. For the first time this year, the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says so adults from 50 years can be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia, which significantly lowers the recommendation that was previously set at age 65.

The CDC made this recommendation because older adults are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease, along with very young children, who are also recommended for the vaccine.

In addition to lowering the age recommendation for pneumonia, the health authority decided this fall recommended a second dose of the newly updated COVID vaccine to adults 65 years and older, and younger people with compromised immune function, at least six months after their last COVID shot.

Older adults receive specific vaccine recommendations because the risk of serious illness, especially illness from respiratory viruses, often increases as adults age. But that means there’s a lot to keep track of. If you also take into account the annual flu vaccines (October and November are excellent times to get a vaccination) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine available to some, And the fact that some people may not even have gotten the latest COVID vaccine before the CDC made its recommendation for the second booster, it’s easy to lose sight of which vaccines you need.

If you are at least 50, find out here which vaccines you are eligible for this fall and winter season.

Pneumococcal vaccine: from 50 years

Pneumonia is one infection in the lungs that can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi. One cause of pneumonia is an infection with a type of bacteria that causes it pneumococcal diseaseand there is a vaccine for it. For the first time, it is recommended for people aged 50 and over.

In people with chronic conditions that affect their lungs or airways, pneumonia is particularly dangerous. In addition to lung infections, a pneumococcal vaccine can help protect against other diseases caused by pneumococcal bacteria, including meningitis and bloodstream infections.

In certain cases where someone is at higher risk for pneumococcal disease, young people are advised to also receive a vaccine. If you think you could benefit from extra protection, talk to your doctor.

RSV vaccine: Everyone aged 75 and over, and some even as young as 60

This includes all people aged 75 and over recommended for an RSV vaccineAccording to the CDC.

Adults between the ages of 60 and 74 can also get an RSV vaccine if they have a health condition that makes them more susceptible to severe RSV. causes infections in the lungs and airways (airways). This includes adults in their 60s and early 70s with heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system; some people with diabetes or obesity; and people living in a nursing home.

If you are not yet 75 and are not sure whether you need an RSV vaccine, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Additionally, unlike flu and COVID vaccines, the RSV vaccine is not currently considered an annual injection if you already have one, you don’t need a new one.

Flu vaccines: everyone

Everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions, is recommended for one annual flu vaccine. However, it is especially important for older adults to get the shot because serious illness is more likely in older adults and vaccination works by reducing the chance of serious illness.

There are several types of flu vaccines available, and older adults are typically offered a higher dose vaccine, which provides more immunity. For more information, read about this year’s flu vaccine.

First COVID shot 2024-2025: everyone

Because we are no longer in a pandemic and COVID is now spreading more predictably, COVID vaccine guidelines have become more streamlined and similar to the rollout of annual flu shots. Similar to the way flu vaccines are updated every year, health officials have selected vaccines that target a more recent version of COVID that is making people sick.

Anyone six months or older, with rare exceptions, can get an updated 2024-2025 COVID shot. Adults can choose from three brands: Moderna, Pfizer or Novavax. For more information on this year’s COVID vaccines, read how Novavax compares to the two mRNA shots.

Second COVID admission 2024-2025: 65 years and older, and some younger cases

This week, the CDC recommended offering a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID vaccine this season to adults if they are 65 or older or have a weakened immune system.

Importantly, it is recommended six months after your first. This means that if you got an updated vaccine last month, in September, you would have to wait until March 2025 before getting the booster.

The CDC made this recommendation because it gives people and their doctors “flexibility” to decide whether to provide additional protection based on their individual health.

The shingles vaccine and other injections you can ask your doctor about

There are some outside the respiratory virus season other vaccines adults should stay on top of it. The vaccine against shinglesis for example recommended for all adults aged 50 and over.

The Tdap vaccine is also recommended every 10 years for most adults and protects against it tetanus, diphtheria and also whooping cough. Some adults may also need a hepatitis vaccine.

To get the best guidance for your specific health, ask your doctor if you are up to date on all the vaccines you need.