Keeping track of vaccines for adults over 50 is one more item on a caregiver’s list, and the guidance shifts more often than most people realize. A few recommendations have changed since this page was first written, including a new vaccine that was not available a few years ago. Below is the current CDC guidance, organized by common health conditions, so you can find the list that applies to the person you are caring for, or to yourself.
Quick Answer
Most adults over 50 should stay current on COVID-19, annual flu, Tdap, and shingles vaccines. CDC guidance also now recommends RSV vaccination for all adults 75 and older, and for adults 50 to 74 with certain health conditions. Additional vaccines may apply depending on diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease. Confirm specifics with a healthcare provider.
Recommended Vaccines for Most Adults Over 50
For adults over 50 without other complicating health conditions, the CDC recommends:
- COVID-19: a current seasonal vaccine, timed in consultation with a healthcare provider
- Annual seasonal flu vaccine
- Td or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster every 10 years
- Shingles (zoster) vaccine, given as a two dose series
- RSV vaccine: one lifetime dose for all adults 75 and older; adults 50 to 74 with certain health conditions, listed below, should also ask their provider about it
- Pneumococcal vaccine: current options include PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, and PPSV23, and which one applies depends on age and vaccination history, so this is worth a direct conversation with a provider
Depending on medical history and other factors, some adults may also need:
- Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A
- Meningococcal vaccines, including a newer combined option covering serogroups A, B, C, W, and Y
Recommended Vaccines for Adults with Type-1 or Type-2 Diabetes 3
Diabetes is one of the health conditions that raises the risk of severe illness from several vaccine-preventable diseases, including RSV. In addition to the vaccines above, adults with diabetes should also be current on:
- COVID-19
- Annual seasonal flu
- Td or Tdap
- Shingles (zoster)
- RSV vaccine: adults 50 to 74 with diabetes should talk with their provider about RSV vaccination given the added risk
- Hepatitis B
Recommended Vaccines for Adults with Heart Disease, Stroke and Other Cardiovascular Disease 4
Cardiovascular disease is a recognized risk factor for several of these illnesses. In addition to the vaccines above, adults with heart disease, stroke history, or other cardiovascular disease should also be current on:
- COVID-19
- Annual seasonal flu
- Td or Tdap
- Shingles (zoster)
- RSV vaccine: adults 50 to 74 with heart disease or a history of stroke should discuss RSV vaccination with their provider
Recommended Vaccines for Adults with Lung Disease, Including Asthma and COPD
Chronic lung disease is one of the clearest risk factors for severe RSV illness. In addition to the vaccines above, adults with asthma, COPD, or another chronic lung condition should also be current on:
- COVID-19
- Annual seasonal flu
- Td or Tdap
- Shingles (zoster)
- RSV vaccine: adults 50 to 74 with a chronic lung condition should ask about RSV vaccination at their next appointment
Other Vaccines Based on Travel or Lifestyle
Depending on travel plans, occupation, or other lifestyle factors, a provider may recommend additional vaccines beyond this list. A primary care provider or local health department can help confirm what makes sense for a specific situation. If you are helping coordinate care for a parent or spouse, the Lifeline Caregivers Guide has more on keeping appointments, medications, and health records organized in one place.
Vaccines are one piece of staying ahead of health issues before they become emergencies. The same is true for less visible concerns, including the mental health in seniors that caregivers do not always think to watch for.
Talk It Through: Questions for Your Next Appointment
- Which of these vaccines am I, or my loved one, currently missing?
- Does my health history change what is recommended for me?
- Which pneumococcal vaccine applies to my situation?
- Is it safe to get more than one vaccine at the same visit?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RSV vaccine new?
Yes. The RSV vaccine first became available for older adults in 2023, so it would not have been part of older vaccine lists. It is now recommended for all adults 75 and older, and for adults 50 to 74 with certain health conditions.
Do I need a COVID-19 booster every year?
Current CDC guidance treats COVID-19 vaccination as a decision made with a healthcare provider rather than a fixed annual requirement for everyone. Adults 65 and older, and those with chronic health conditions, are generally encouraged to stay current each season.
How many doses of the shingles vaccine do I need?
The recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is given as a two dose series, regardless of whether someone has had shingles before.
Which pneumococcal vaccine should I get?
It depends on age and prior vaccination history. Current options include PCV15, PCV20, PCV21, and PPSV23. A healthcare provider can confirm which one, or which combination, applies to a specific situation.
Can I get several vaccines at the same visit?
Many vaccines can be given together, but a primary care provider is the best source for confirming which combinations are appropriate for an individual’s health history.
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Don’t disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of what you read here.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation, diagnosis or treatment; it is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have specific questions about any medical matter and seek professional attention immediately if you think you or someone in your care may be experiencing a healthcare condition or medical emergency.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult Immunization Schedule by Age. cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-schedules/adult-age.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RSV Vaccine Guidance for Adults. cdc.gov/rsv/hcp/vaccine-clinical-guidance/adults.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Vaccination: Information for Healthcare Providers. cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/by-disease/pneumo.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Considerations. cdc.gov/covid/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles Vaccination. cdc.gov/shingles/vaccines/index.html
