Flu and Other Potentially Life-Saving Vaccines and ShotsWhile in the office for your annnual flu shot, older adults should ask their healthcare providers if they need shots to protect against pneumococcal disease and other potentially deadly illnesses.The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) recommends the following vaccinations for most older adults: Flu Shot What It Does: Protects against the influenza virus Who Needs It: Anyone who's 50 or older, lives in a nursing home, or has a serious health condition such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, lung disease or HIV. However, people who are allergic to eggs and have demonstrated allergic reactions to flu shots or had Guillian-Barre Syndrome should not get the shot. When to Get It: Every year, ideally in October or November Pneumococcal Shot What It Does: Protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, blood and brain infections Who Needs It: Anyone who needs a flu shot When to Get It: Only once, unless you had the shot before turning 65, in which case you'll need a "booster" shot after 5 years Tetanus/Diphtheria Shot What It Does: Protects against two potentially deadly bacterial infections Who Needs It: Everyone When to Get It: Once every 10 years AGS also recommends the new Herpes zoster (Shingles) shot for most adults 60 and older. It recommends additional shots including the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccination, and shots for Varicella, Hepatitis A and B, and Meningococcal disease for older adults at increased risk of these diseases. |
