Vaccines for Adults 50 and Older: What You Need and When

Vaccines aren't just for kids. As we age, the immune system gradually weakens, a process sometimes called immunosenescence. That makes infections like flu, pneumonia, shingles, and RSV more likely to cause serious illness, hospitalization, or death in older adults.

Staying up to date on vaccines is one of the simplest ways to protect your health. Here's an overview of vaccines commonly recommended for adults 50 and older.

Flu (influenza) vaccine

• Who: Recommended every year for adults, with rare exceptions.
• When: Ideally in September or October, before flu season peaks, though getting vaccinated later is still beneficial.
• For 65+: Higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines are preferentially recommended because they may provide better protection for older adults.

Shingles (recombinant zoster) vaccine

• Who: Adults 50 and older, and adults 19+ with weakened immune systems.
• Doses: Two doses, given 2 to 6 months apart.
• Why: Shingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. About 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will get shingles in their lifetime, and risk increases with age. A complication called postherpetic neuralgia can cause nerve pain lasting months or years.
• Note: You should get the shingles vaccine even if you've had shingles before, received the older Zostavax vaccine, or aren't sure if you had chickenpox.

Pneumococcal vaccine

• Who: In 2024, the CDC lowered the recommended age for routine pneumococcal vaccination to 50 and older. Younger adults with certain health conditions are also eligible.
• Why: Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis.
• Doses: Depending on the vaccine used and your history, you may need one or two shots. Your provider will choose the right type.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine

• Who: Recommended for all adults 75 and older, and for adults 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV, such as those with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes with complications, weakened immunity, or who live in nursing homes.
• Doses: Currently a single dose; it is not yet recommended as a yearly vaccine.
• When: Ideally in late summer or early fall.

Td/Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)

• Who: All adults.
• Doses: If you never received Tdap as an adult, get one dose. Then get a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years, or sooner for certain wounds.
• Why: Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Tdap is especially important for grandparents and caregivers of newborns.

COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have changed several times, and current federal guidance emphasizes individual decision-making with your health care provider, particularly for people at higher risk of severe illness, including older adults and those with certain health conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the current recommendation for you.

Other vaccines you may need

Depending on your health, lifestyle, and travel plans, your provider may recommend:

• Hepatitis B: recommended for adults up to age 59, and for those 60+ with risk factors or who want protection
• Hepatitis A
• MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) if you lack evidence of immunity
• Travel vaccines

Quick reference

Where to get vaccinated

• Your doctor's office
• Local pharmacies (most offer adult vaccines, often without an appointment)
• Local health departments
• Community clinics

Cost: Most vaccines recommended by the CDC are covered at no cost by most private insurance plans, Medicare (Part B covers flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines; Part D covers shingles, RSV, and Tdap without cost-sharing), and Medicaid.

Keep a record

Ask your provider or pharmacy for a copy of your vaccination records, or check your state's immunization information system. This helps avoid missed or duplicate doses.

Common side effects

Most side effects are mild and short-lived: sore arm, fatigue, headache, low-grade fever, or muscle aches. The shingles vaccine often causes more noticeable but temporary side effects for a day or two. Serious reactions are rare.

The bottom line

Vaccines are a powerful, low-effort way to protect yourself from serious illness as you age. Review your vaccine history with your doctor or pharmacist, check the current CDC schedule, and stay up to date. Learn more about healthy aging habits.