Which immunizations are routinely recommended for adults over 65?

• A. Only influenza vaccine
• B. Only pneumococcal vaccine
• C. Influenza annually and pneumococcal vaccines; shingles (Shingrix) and COVID vaccines per guidelines.
• D. No vaccines are routinely recommended after age 65

Answer: (C)

Older adults benefit from a broad vaccination plan to prevent several infections, not just one. The annual flu shot reduces the chance of severe illness in a group at higher risk for complications. Pneumococcal vaccines protect against pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease, which are more dangerous as we age. Shingrix lowers the risk of herpes zoster and its painful complications, and COVID vaccines are recommended according to current public health guidelines to maintain protection against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the routinely recommended approach includes influenza yearly and pneumococcal vaccines, plus shingles and COVID vaccines as advised. Options that include only one vaccine or none at all miss these important protections.