Immunizations When You’re Over 50

Vaccines for Adults Over 50

Although many people think of immunizations as something necessary for young children, vaccines can help ward off disease as you get older. In light of National Immunization Awareness Month, we’re here to share which vaccines can help keep you healthy into your golden years.

How Vaccines Work

While leading a healthy lifestyle is important, getting age-appropriate vaccinations is also an integral part of supporting your overall health and wellness. Not only does getting vaccinated help to protect you from illness-causing germs and bacteria, it helps to protect other members of your community who are at risk for serious health complications from preventable diseases,

Vaccines are made up of illness-causing germs and bacteria that have been weekend to the point where they can’t actually get you sick. Instead, it helps your immune system to recognize these foreign invaders and develop the appropriate antibodies to prevent you from getting sick when you come in contact with the real thing.

Recommended Immunizations

As you get older, your immune system becomes weaker and leaves you more prone to developing certain diseases. However, getting vaccinated can help to give your immune system the boost it needs to protect you and others from becoming seriously ill.

The following vaccines are recommended for adults 50 and older:

• The seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine: Helps protect you from common strains of the flu each year.
• Td or Tdap (tetanus shot): Adults should get this vaccine every 10 years,
• Shingles vaccine: Helps protect you from shingles-related health issues.
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23): Prevents against pneumococcal diseases.
• Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13): Also protects you against pneumococcal diseases.

If you’re unsure if you’re up-to-date on your immunizations or which ones may be right for you and your health condition, be sure to reach out to your primary care provider.