This article should not replace the advice of your doctor. Consult a health professional about what is right for you.
Getting older comes with wisdom — and, let’s be honest, a few extra doctor appointments. But one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect your health after age 50 is to stay up to date on your vaccinations.
Vaccines aren’t just for kids — they help older adults prevent serious illnesses that can lead to hospitalization, long recovery times, or even life-threatening complications. Here’s a guide to the most important vaccines recommended for adults 50 and older.
View the complete list of recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) here.
Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
When: Every year, ideally before flu season (September–October)
Why it matters: As we age, our immune system weakens, making it harder to fight the flu. Older adults are more likely to experience severe flu-related complications like pneumonia or hospitalization.
Best option: For people 65 and older, a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine provides better protection. But anyone of any age is encouraged to get the annual shot — it’s your best defense against a nasty (and preventable) infection.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Boosters
When: As recommended by the CDC (typically annual boosters or when new variants circulate)
Why it matters: COVID-19 can cause severe illness, especially in older adults or those with conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Staying current on boosters helps keep your protection strong against serious outcomes.
Tip: Bring your vaccine card or digital record to your healthcare provider so they can track which doses you’ve received.
Pneumococcal (Pneumonia) Vaccine
When: Once after age 65, but adults 55–64 with certain conditions (like asthma, COPD, heart disease, or diabetes) may need it sooner.
Why it matters: Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. These illnesses are much more dangerous in older adults.
You can receive different types of this vaccine. Ask your healthcare provider which schedule is best for you.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine
When: Starting at age 50
Why it matters: Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can lead to long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) that can last months or even years.
Best option: The Shingrix vaccine — two doses, 2 to 6 months apart — is over 90% effective and recommended even if you’ve already had shingles or the older Zostavax vaccine.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine
When: One-time dose at age 60 or older (discuss with your healthcare provider)
Why it matters: RSV, once thought of as mainly a childhood virus, can cause severe respiratory illness in older adults. It can lead to pneumonia, hospitalization, and worsening of chronic conditions like asthma, COPD, or heart disease.
Arexvy and Abrysvo are two approved RSV vaccines for adults 60 and older.
Talk with your doctor about whether you’re a good candidate — especially if you have underlying lung or heart conditions.
Tdap or Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis) Vaccine
When: One-time Tdap booster (if you haven’t had one as an adult), then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years
Why it matters: Tetanus (“lockjaw”) can develop from minor cuts, while whooping cough (pertussis) can be serious — and contagious — especially around grandchildren or other vulnerable people.
Keeping up with boosters ensures continued protection against these old but still dangerous diseases.
Hepatitis A and B Vaccines (If at Risk)
When: If you have chronic liver disease, diabetes, or other risk factors
Why it matters: Hepatitis A and B can cause serious liver inflammation and long-term complications. Vaccination offers strong, long-lasting protection.
Travel Vaccines (If You’re Planning a Trip)
If you’re traveling abroad — especially to Africa, Asia, or South America — check in with a travel medicine clinic at least a month before you go. Depending on your destination, you may need vaccines for yellow fever, typhoid, meningitis, or Japanese encephalitis.
Bottom Line
Vaccines are one of the easiest and most effective ways to stay healthy after 55. They don’t just protect you — they also help protect your loved ones and your community.
Before your next check-up, ask your healthcare provider:
“Which vaccines am I due for?”
It’s a simple question that could prevent a serious illness — and keep you healthy, active, and ready for all the good years ahead.
