Vaccines are a key part of staying healthy as we age. They help prevent serious illness, reduce hospital visits, and even save lives. Yet, many older adults miss out on important vaccines each year.
For example, one in three seniors skips the flu vaccine, and between 71% and 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths happen in people 65 and older. [CDC]
Staying up to date with your vaccines, and helping your loved ones do the same, can make a big difference.
Recommended Vaccines for Adults 50 and Older
The CDC has updated its recommendations for older adults. Here are the most important vaccines for people 50 and older, and especially for those 65 and up:
- Influenza (Flu) Vaccine:
- Get a flu shot every year, ideally in late summer or early fall.
- People 65 and older can get a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine for better protection.
- COVID-19 Vaccine:
- Adults 65 and older should get two doses of the updated (2024–2025) COVID-19 vaccine, at least six months apart.
- Immunocompromised adults may need additional doses, as recommended by their doctor.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine:
- The CDC now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults 50 and older, not just those 65 and up.
- If you’ve never had a pneumococcal vaccine, you may get PCV20 or PCV21 as a one-time dose, or PCV15 followed by PPSV23 one year later.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine:
- One dose is recommended for all adults 75 and older.
- Adults 60–74 who are at higher risk for RSV disease should also get one dose.
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine:
- Recommended for adults 50 and older.
- Protects against painful shingles and complications.
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine:
- Get a Tdap booster if you haven’t had one in the past 10 years.
- Protects against whooping cough, which can be serious for older adults.
- Hepatitis B Vaccine:
- Recommended for adults at increased risk of hepatitis B.
You can get your vaccine at your doctor’s office, pharmacy, and other community health centers.
Will Medicare Pay for Your Vaccine?
According to the National Council on Aging, most recommended vaccines are covered by Medicare at no out-of-pocket cost. [NCOA]
- Medicare Part B:
- Covers flu, pneumococcal, COVID-19, and hepatitis B (for those at risk) vaccines.
- Medicare Part D:
- Covers shingles, RSV, Tdap, and other vaccines not included in Part B.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C):
- Usually includes both Part B and Part D coverage, so you’ll get most vaccines at no cost.
Thanks to recent changes in the law, most vaccines recommended by the CDC are now fully covered by Medicare with no copays or deductibles for the vaccine itself.
What Else Should You Consider?
Other items that will impact what vaccines you may need include travel plans, family history, age, allergies, chronic illnesses, timing with other vaccines, and more.
Take this quick quiz from the CDC to find out what vaccines you may need here.
Next Steps
- Ask your doctor to review your vaccination history and discuss your results to find out which vaccines are recommended for you based on your specific health status, age, and lifestyle.
- Schedule missing or overdue vaccines, especially before cold/flu season.
- If you’re a caregiver, make sure your loved one is up-to-date, too.
Vaccines aren’t just about protecting yourself—they also protect your family, friends, and community.
Last Updated: May, 2025.
