August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a good annual checkpoint for making sure the vaccines for seniors in your life are current. Recommendations shift as new vaccines are approved and as the protection from earlier shots fades with age, so what was right five years ago may not be right now. Here’s a current guide to the vaccines adults 65 and older should have on their radar in 2026, and when to get each one.
Why vaccines matter more after 65
The immune system changes with age, a process researchers call immunosenescence. According to the National Institute on Aging, older adults don’t just face a higher risk of catching illnesses like flu, pneumonia, shingles, RSV, and COVID-19 — they’re also more likely to develop serious complications, be hospitalized, or die from them. Chronic conditions common in later life, such as heart disease, diabetes, and COPD, add to that risk. Staying current on vaccines is one of the most effective, lowest-effort ways to protect against a hospital stay this year.
Flu vaccine: the higher-dose version matters
Everyone age 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, but the CDC specifically recommends that adults 65 and older receive either a higher-dose flu vaccine or an adjuvanted flu vaccine — formulations designed to trigger a stronger immune response in older bodies. Standard-dose flu shots still help, but the age-specific versions are considered more effective for this group.
Aim to get vaccinated by the end of October, since it takes about two weeks to build protection and flu season often peaks in December or January. If October comes and goes, it’s still worth getting the shot — as long as flu is circulating, vaccination helps.
Shingles vaccine: two doses, even if you’ve had shingles before
The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, for all healthy adults age 50 and older, given in two doses spaced two to six months apart. This holds true even if you don’t remember having chickenpox, already had shingles once, or received the older Zostavax vaccine, which is no longer available in the U.S.
Shingles isn’t just a painful rash — it can lead to postherpetic neuralgia, nerve pain that lingers long after the rash clears. Skip the vaccine only if you currently have shingles, are acutely ill, have a weakened immune system, or have had an allergic reaction to Shingrix; check with a doctor if you’re unsure.
Pneumococcal vaccine: an easy one to forget
The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults 50 and older. Current guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices favors a single dose of PCV20 for most adults in this group (or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 about a year later). This vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis — serious illnesses that hit older adults especially hard.
RSV vaccine: newer, and worth a conversation
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can be dangerous for older adults, particularly those with chronic heart or lung disease. RSV vaccination is recommended for adults 75 and older, and the CDC advises adults 60 to 74 with higher-risk health conditions to talk with their doctor about whether the vaccine makes sense for them. RSV season tends to run fall through winter, so getting vaccinated before then offers the best timing, though it’s not too late to ask about it any time of year.
COVID-19 and Tdap: don’t lose track of these two
The CDC recommends that older adults stay up to date with the current COVID-19 vaccine, with timing based on individual risk factors and prior doses — a conversation worth having with a doctor or pharmacist at least once a year. Separately, the Tdap or Td booster (protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough) is recommended every 10 years for all adults, and it’s easy to lose track of the last one.
Building your vaccine plan
Medicare covers the flu, shingles, pneumococcal, RSV, and COVID-19 vaccines, along with hepatitis B, and Part D or private insurance typically covers Tdap. The easiest way to stay current is to bring an immunization record to every annual visit and ask directly: ‘What am I due for?’ A pharmacist can usually administer most of these vaccines on the spot, no doctor’s appointment required.
At Georgia Living Senior Care, our Personal Care team helps residents keep track of medications and appointments — including staying current on recommended vaccines — as part of everyday care. To learn more about life at one of our communities, find a location near you or call (912) 489-4468.