Doctors recommend that everyone over 50 years old receive these 5 vaccines.

As flu and COVID season approaches, recent changes have been made to vaccine recommendations for individuals over the age of 50.

The CDC has decreased the age requirement for pneumonia vaccinations by 15 years.

The pneumococcal vaccine is now recommended for individuals aged 50 and above instead of those 65 and over.

As we age, our immune system can become more vulnerable, so everyone over 50 should be thinking about vaccines, advised Dr. Susannah Hills, surgeon and assistant professor at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.

Considering personal risk is also crucial when deciding which vaccinations to receive, she stated.

"If underlying health conditions like diabetes, immunodeficiency or cancer exist, getting vaccinated becomes even more crucial."

To aid older individuals in monitoring their immunization recommendations, Planet Chronicle Digital consulted with multiple infectious disease specialists.

1. Flu vaccine

It is advised by the CDC that individuals aged 6 months and above should receive an annual flu vaccine, including those who are 50 years old and above.

The flu vaccine significantly reduces deaths and hospitalizations in the 50 and older population, according to Dr. Jennifer Dunphy, a public health doctor in Los Angeles, California.

"Everyone over 50 should be thinking about vaccines … As we age, our immune system can become more vulnerable."

It is advised to receive the vaccine in September, at the end of summer, to avoid the increase in viruses during the changing weather.

Common side effects include body aches and low-grade fever, the doctor noted.

Dunphy stated that in certain instances, there can be extremely rare but severe side effects that may affect the nervous system.

"For most people over 50, the advantages of the vaccine far exceed any potential dangers, but it's advisable to consult with your physician."

2. COVID-19 vaccine

The CDC advises that individuals aged 6 months and above should receive an annual COVID-19 vaccine, usually in the fall, before the end of October.

The agency recommends a second dose of the vaccine for individuals aged 65 and above.

Dr. Amy Edwards, an infectious disease expert at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, stated that COVID, flu, and RSV are a triad of respiratory viruses that cause high rates of hospitalization and death in older adults, with increased risk seen with advancing age.

According to Dunphy, it is recommended that people receive two full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine spaced at least three weeks apart, followed by annual boosters.

She stated that the boosters are designed to be effective against the current strain of the virus.

She stated that the COVID vaccine enhances the formation of antibodies that combat infection and prevents it from becoming severe.

"Mild, flu-like symptoms are typically the side effects, although they can vary."

The CDC reports that some severe side effects have been linked to COVID vaccines, including anaphylactic shock, myocarditis, or pericarditis.

3. Pneumococcal vaccine

Individuals under the age of 5 and those over 50 are advised to receive the pneumococcus (pneumonia) vaccine.

The previous guidance has been updated to recommend vaccines for adults aged 65 and above.

The vaccine safeguards against bacterial infections that can lead to pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis.

All adults aged 50 and above who have not received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or are unsure of their vaccination history should receive one of the three available vaccines, PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21, according to the agency's recommendation.

According to Edwards, the rate of hospitalizations and death from pneumonia increases significantly at the ages of 50 and 65.

"Some higher-risk adults may receive a dose of the vaccine every five years, while adults are generally advised to get a single dose."

Side effects are generally minimal from this vaccine, she noted.

According to the CDC, some possible side effects of fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, redness, swelling, pain, or tenderness at the injection site include these symptoms.

4. Tdap vaccine

The vaccine safeguards against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

In 2024, the number of pertussis cases in the U.S. increased by more than five times compared to the previous year.

Edwards advised that all adults should receive the tetanus vaccine every 10 years, as that is the duration of its longest protection.

"Whooping cough vaccination is sometimes advised for older adults, particularly those who will be around young children, as infants are highly susceptible to death from the disease."

According to the CDC, the most frequent side effects following a Tdap vaccination are mild fever, headache, tiredness, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.

Adults should discuss with their doctors about whether this vaccine is necessary.

5. Shingles vaccine

According to the CDC, adults aged 50 and above should receive two doses of Shingrix, spaced two to six months apart.

Shingles is a condition that the vaccine safeguards against.

The varicella-zoster virus, which causes the infection, leads to a painful rash that can result in nerve damage, chronic nerve pain, and brain inflammation, as stated by Edwards.

With each passing decade after the age of 50, the occurrence of shingles increases, according to her statement.

Edwards warned that this vaccine can be quite rough, with a high likelihood of fever and body aches.

"Both the shingles vaccine and the mRNA COVID vaccines can cause negative side effects, such as feeling bad for a day or two, according to many people who have had both."

According to Edwards, the shingles vaccine is given as a single dose for life, with no need for boosters after vaccination at around age 50.

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It is advised by experts that individuals should consult their primary care physician before deciding on a vaccine plan.

Some individuals may require earlier or additional vaccines due to increased risk.