Staying healthy as we age means thinking ahead, especially when it comes to preventing infectious diseases. The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (Dec. 27) serves as a reminder that readiness isn’t about fear; it’s about empowerment. Vaccination is still one of the most effective tools for protecting older adults; it reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and long-term complications. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunizations prevent up to 5 million deaths every year worldwide, making them a key pillar of global health security.
Top 5 vaccines for older adults
Vaccines are available for more than 30 life-threatening diseases and infections, helping people all over the world live longer, healthier lives. In fact, it may be one of the best healthcare investments. In addition to preventing specific illness or reducing the severity of that illness, vaccinations have been shown to reduce mortality and disability rates. Studies on individuals 65 or older have found that vaccinations may lower the risk for diabetes, heart attack, and stroke. Older adult vaccinations also reduce future outbreaks or pandemics and chronic diseases.
Below are the top five most globally recommended vaccines for older adults, along with the reasons they matter most
- Influenza (flu) vaccine. Annual flu vaccination is universally recommended for adults age 60+, and especially those with chronic conditions. The flu can cause severe complications for older adults because immune function naturally declines with age. There are about a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually and around 4 million results in severe illness. Sixty-year-olds are 10 times more likely to die from the flu than 20-year-olds. Annual vaccination lowers risk of severe illness and supports community-wide protection.
- COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. While the emergency phase of COVID-19 is over, the disease still remains a significant health risk for older adults. Most global health agencies – including WHO, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and Australia’s Department of Health – recommend ongoing boosters for strong protection. But the recommended frequency for the vaccine or boosters may vary based on age and location. History and research consistently show that those most like to experience dangerous COVID-19 outcomes, including death, are seniors. Vaccination helps reduce the likelihood of severe disease, long COVID, and hospitalization.
- Pneumococcal vaccine. Pneumococcal disease can lead to pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association (ALA), explained in an ALA blog: “Even healthy adults aged 65 and older are over 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia than those aged 18-49.” Older adults face a higher risk because the pneumococcus bacteria spread easily and weaken the lungs. The vaccine is estimated to be at least 50% effective in reducing invasive pneumococcal disease.
- Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine. Shingles (or herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash caused by reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Over 90% of 50+ aged adults have had chickenpox and already carry the disease; one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime. Complications such as long-term debilitating nerve pain, weakness or paralysis, and eye or hearing issues can occur. Individuals can also have shingles more than once. A strong immune response from vaccination reduces both incidence and severity.
- Tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis (Td/Tdap) booster. Immunity to tetanus and diphtheria decreases over time and pertussis (whooping cough) is on the rise globally (up 476% from 2023 to 2024). Tetanus is caused by a toxin that causes muscle stiffening and tightening which can turn to trouble breathing, seizures, and death. Diphtheria’s bacterial infection causes a thick covering on the back of the throat and can lead to difficulty breathing, paralysis, or death. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection causing severe coughing fits. These boosters are only needed once every ten years. Maintaining up-to-date boosters provides broad protection and helps prevent transmission during outbreaks.
Non-vaccine actions for better preparedness
Vaccines are essential, but they’re not the only tools available. Global health agencies consistently emphasize these five core protective actions. These are simple, effective habits that strengthen readiness every day.
- Hand hygiene: the “single most effective measure” according to WHO, good handwashing or using alcohol-based sanitizer significantly reduces the spread of viruses and bacteria.
- Masking in crowded areas: face masks help reduce respiratory droplet spread, especially important during flu season, or when traveling.
- Staying home when sick: this simple action stops outbreaks before they start since respiratory viruses spread most easily in the early days of symptoms.
- Improving indoor ventilation: good airflow reduces the concentration of airborne particles that can cause disease; so, open windows, use air purifiers, or meet outdoors when possible.
- Regular health monitoring: managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or COPD lowers the risk of complications and routine appointments ensure vaccination schedules stay updated.
Home care services can also help with being and staying prepared. Caregivers can help older adults:
- Stay up to date with recommended vaccines
- Monitor symptoms and vital signs
- Maintain good hygiene and safe home practices
- Reduce exposure risks through help with errands, appointments, and daily tasks
- Recover safely at home after illness
By offering personalized support, home care helps older adults remain strong, independent, and well-protected – no matter the season.
Being prepared is one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves and those we love. Staying current on vaccinations, practicing simple prevention habits, and having the right support at home all work together to build a safer, healthier future.
To learn more about how Home Care Assistance can help you or a loved one stay well and prepared, reach out today.
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Sources: WHO; Vaccines Today; Our World in Data; Australian Government; ECDC; JAMA; ALA; Yale Medicine; Shingrix; NHS; Statista; Harvard Health; Fox News