Essential Vaccines Adults Over 65 Should Ask Their Doctor About

Staying healthy after 65 isn’t just about managing existing conditions—it’s about preventing serious illness before it starts. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools for doing that, especially as the immune system naturally weakens with age.

Below are the key vaccines most experts recommend older adults discuss with their healthcare provider, and what each one actually does for you.

1. Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The flu shot is recommended every year for adults over 65. Older adults have a higher risk of flu-related pneumonia, hospitalization, and death.

Ask your doctor about:

  • High-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines, which are formulated to trigger a stronger immune response in people 65 and older.
  • The best timing in your area (often early fall, before flu season peaks).

2. COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

Adults over 65 are at increased risk for severe COVID-19, even if they’re generally healthy. Staying up to date with:

  • The primary COVID-19 vaccine series, and
  • Recommended boosters based on current public health guidelines
    can significantly lower the risk of hospitalization and complications.

Discuss:

  • When you last received a COVID-19 dose
  • Whether a newer formulation or updated booster is recommended for you this year.

3. Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccines

Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis, which are especially dangerous in older adults.

Most people 65+ are advised to receive:

  • A pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (such as PCV15 or PCV20), and in some cases
  • A pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (such as PPSV23), depending on previous doses.

Your doctor will review your vaccine history and medical conditions (like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease) to choose the right schedule.

4. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine

If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body and can reactivate as shingles, causing a painful rash and sometimes long-term nerve pain.

Most adults 50 and older are advised to get a two-dose shingles vaccine series, even if:

  • You’ve had shingles before, or
  • You received an older shingles vaccine in the past.

This vaccine is particularly important because shingles and its complications become more common and more severe with age.

5. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Td or Tdap)

Everyone needs ongoing protection against tetanus and diphtheria, and adults may also need pertussis (whooping cough) protection—especially if they’re around infants.

For adults over 65:

  • Get one Tdap dose at some point in adulthood if you’ve never had it.
  • Then get a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.

Ask your provider when your last tetanus shot was; many people aren’t sure.

Key takeaway: For most adults over 65, the core vaccines to review with a healthcare provider are flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, shingles, and Td/Tdap. Your exact schedule may change based on your medical history, medications, and past vaccinations, so bring an updated list of your conditions and any records you have to your next visit and build a personalized vaccine plan together.