“With the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to stay as healthy as possible, and this includes preventing diseases for which there are vaccines,” says Lois Privor-Dumm, a senior research associate and a vaccine advocate at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. While the flu vaccine is top of mind in the fall, autumn is also a good time to think about what other vaccines you may need, particularly if you are 50 years old or older. That’s because as you age, your immune system becomes less effective at fighting off infection. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 also increases. “Particularly in older people, whose immune systems decline with age, you want to avoid conditions that may further weaken you and increase the risk of more serious consequences of COVID-19 if you contract it,” Privor-Dumm says.
Get Your Flu Vaccine This Fall (and Make Sure You’re Up-to-Date on Other Shots)
The CDC recommends that all adults age 50 and older be vaccinated against the following diseases.
The Flu
Caused by the influenza virus, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can result in mild or life-threatening illness. While the CDC urges all adults (and children age 6 months and older) to get a seasonal flu (influenza) vaccine every year, the flu vaccine is especially important for people who have a higher risk of serious complications. This includes people with chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease), pregnant women, and older adults, especially people 65 and older, notes the CDC. There are several types of flu vaccines recommended for different age groups, per the CDC. These include: Standard-Dose Quadrivalent Influenza Shots These shots are manufactured using virus grown in eggs, and they are approved for people 6 months and older. There are four of these vaccines available: Afluria Quadrivalent, Fluarix Quadrivalent, FluLaval Quadrivalent, and Fluzone Quadrivalent. Most influenza shots are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Afluria Quadrivalent can be given either with a needle (for people age 6 months and older) or with a jet injector (for people 18 through 64 years old only). A Quadrivalent Cell-Based Influenza Shot This egg-free vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent, is licensed for people 6 months and older. Recombinant Quadrivalent Influenza Shot This vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent, is also egg-free, and it’s approved for people 18 years and older. A Quadrivalent Flu Shot Using an Adjuvant This vaccine, Fluad Quadrivalent, contains an adjuvant, which is an ingredient that helps create a stronger response in the immune system. It’s approved for people age 65 and older. A Quadrivalent High-Dose Influenza Vaccine Fluzone High-Dose contains a higher dose of antigen, also to help create a stronger immune response. It’s licensed for people age 65 and older. A Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine This vaccine, FluMist Quadrivalent, which is given in the nose, is approved for people 2 through 49 years, but it’s not licensed for people age 50 and older. Live attenuated influenza vaccine should not be given to people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
Shingles
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful rash caused by varicella zoster, the same virus that causes chicken pox. Shingles occurs when the chicken pox virus reactivates after lying dormant in the body for many years, and it can have long-lasting complications. Anyone who has been exposed to the chicken pox virus can get shingles, but the risk increases as you age, according to the CDC. The shingles vaccine is approved for adults age 50 and older and for those 18 and older whose immune systems are weakened or who will be at increased risk of herpes zoster because of a disease or treatment, notes the CDC. The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix separated by two to six months for immunocompetent adults age 50 and older. For people who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed, the second dose can be given one to two months after the first. In adults 50 and older who have healthy immune systems, Shingrix is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles, and immunity stays strong for at least seven years, per the CDC. There is currently no booster shot for Shingrix.
Pneumococcal Disease and Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages, says the CDC. The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults age 65 or older to protect against serious pneumococcal disease, including meningitis and bloodstream infections. The CDC also recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults 19 through 64 years old who have certain chronic medical conditions or other risk factors, including chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, cigarette smoking, and diabetes, among many others. There are two kinds of pneumococcal vaccines available in the United States:
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13, PCV15, and PCV20)Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)
For those who have never received any pneumococcal vaccine, the CDC recommends PCV15 or PCV20 for adults 65 years or older and adults 19 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions or risk factors. If PCV15 is used, this should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least one year later, or eight weeks later for people with certain health conditions. For those who previously received PPSV23 but who have not received any pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, they may receive one dose of PCV15 or PCV20 at least one year after PPSV23. For healthy adults who had PCV13 at any age, the CDC recommends one dose of PPSV23 at age 65 or older, at least one year after PCV13 was received. For adults 19 or older with a cerebrospinal fluid leak or cochlear implant who received PCV13 at any age, the CDC recommends one dose of PPSV23 at least eight weeks later before age 65 and another dose of PPSV23 at age 65 or older. For adults 19 or older with an immunocompromising condition who received PCV13 at any age, the CDC recommends one dose of PPSV23 at least eight weeks later before age 65, another dose at least five years later, and then a final dose at age 65. For adults ages 19 to 64 who previously received PCV13 and have alcoholism, chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease, cigarette smoking, or diabetes mellitus, the CDC recommends one dose of PPSV23 at age 65 at least one year after PCV13 and at least five years after any PPSV23 dose. At this point, pneumococcal vaccinations are complete.
Tdap
The CDC recommends that all adults receive one shot of the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in order to prevent the respiratory disease whooping cough, also known as pertussis. If you’ve never received a shot of Tdap, you can get one at any time. This should be followed by either a Td or Tdap booster shot every 10 years, notes the CDC.
When Should You Schedule Your Vaccines?
Older adults should get their flu shots in September or October, ideally by the end of October, according to the CDC. That’s because people lose immunity over time, and the vaccine components are updated annually to reflect which strains will be seen in the upcoming year. You can get pneumococcal, shingles, and Tdap vaccines year-round. If you want to get them in the fall when you get your flu shot, talk to your doctor. These vaccines can be given with most types of flu vaccines. RELATED: Get a Flu Shot Now, or Wait?
What Are the Pros and Cons of Being Vaccinated?
The benefits of vaccination generally far outweigh any risks, Privor-Dumm says. Although vaccines do have some side effects, most are mild and temporary. “The bigger ‘con’ is getting [a vaccine-preventable] disease, which may lead to further health complications,” she adds. “For instance, people who are hospitalized with influenza have a greater likelihood of heart attack or stroke following their illness, and the economic consequences of a serious illness can be catastrophic for some. That’s why it’s best to prevent disease in the first place.” RELATED: Everyday Health Flu Map Tracker
What Side Effects Should I Watch For?
Side effects vary from vaccine to vaccine, according to Privor-Dumm. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services cites these common issues:
Pain, swelling, redness, or soreness at the injection siteA low-grade feverChillsHeadacheMuscle achesFatigue
In very rare cases, you may be allergic to the ingredients in a vaccine or have another severe reaction. If you feel sick in any way after receiving a shot, call your doctor, Privor-Dumm says.
Will Vaccination Against Flu, Pneumonia, and Shingles Help Prevent COVID-19?
The short answer is no. But lowering your risk of vaccine-preventable diseases will help you avoid doctors’ offices and hospitals, which will reduce any potential exposure to the coronavirus, Privor-Dumm says. Plus, Privor-Dumm adds, “Preventing serious disease can help keep you out of the hospital at a time when health resources may be needed to treat COVID-19 patients.”
