With the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have been a hot topic in recent years. The CDC reports that about 49% of people aged 75 or over had received the latest COVID-19 vaccine as of December 14, 2024.
However, this isn't the only vaccine people should think about. Seniors can face an array of health issues, so recommended vaccines for seniors are incredibly important. They can play a critical role in the prevention of serious illness among older adults.
Summerville, SC, boasts a relaxed atmosphere, a thriving local business scene, and a relatively low cost of living compared to larger cities, but residents can still fall ill here, especially without proper protection.
In this article, we'll go over some recommended vaccines for seniors, why they matter, and how Summerville, SC, seniors can stay up to date.
Preventive care for aging adults is crucial for health and well-being. Various vaccines can help significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Flu season comes around every year, and it hits older adults harder. Hospitalization and even death are very real risks, particularly for those around 65 or older. As such, getting your senior flu shot in Summerville, SC, is vital.
It's usually best to get a high-dose or recombinant flu vaccine. These are specifically designed to trigger stronger immunity in older adults.
You should aim to receive your flu shot by October each year, before peak flu season begins.
According to current CDC guidance (as of mid-2025), adults need at least one updated dose targeting the most recent variant. Adults aged 65+ are at high risk of severe COVID-19, making this especially important.
Seniors represent a significant proportion of COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths. Despite this, booster uptake is still low among older adults.
You should discuss with your healthcare provider whether you need additional doses this year. They'll also be able to offer other senior health tips if you have any other concerns at the time.
The shingles vaccine for seniors is very important, even for those who have previously had shingles or the older Zostavax vaccine. If you've had chickenpox in the past, it could still be in your body, and it has been known to reactivate in older adults, causing shingles.
Note that you shouldn't get the vaccine if:
If you're unsure, speak with your healthcare provider. For this vaccine, you need two doses, which are given two to six months apart.
The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect individuals from:
These conditions are particularly severe in older adults. Those aged 65 and older are recommended to receive one or more of the following:
Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccine sequence based on your vaccination history and existing medical conditions.
Individuals aged 75 or older are eligible to receive the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. It's also available to certain adults aged 50-74. This includes people in this range who have:
Anyone who meets these criteria is considered to be at high risk. It's best given between August and October, before RSV season (typically September to January), to ensure protection for the next one to two years.
Despite eligibility, vaccine uptake is still low. CDC data shows that only 47.5% of adults 75 or older have had the RSV vaccine, and uptake sits at just 38% for those aged 60 to 74 with high-risk conditions.
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are caused by bacteria and can lead to serious illness nd death. Most people get vaccinated as children, but boosters are essential as you get older to maintain protection. If you haven't had it before, you should get one dose as an adult, followed by a booster (Tdap or Td) every ten years.
Whooping cough can be serious for both adults and infants. This is especially important for grandparents who have visiting grandchildren.
As with some other vaccines, hepatitis B is one that you should get even if you've had it before, especially if you have increased risk factors such as:
Most people are vaccinated as infants, but anyone aged 60+ is eligible to receive it (even without risk factors). People typically follow a two, three, or four-dose schedule, depending on the specific vaccine brand and health status.
There are several other vaccines that you might want to consider. These often depend on specific circumstances:
At TerraBella Summerville, we take aging and immunity seriously. Our community members typically fall into the 65+ age group, and many have chronic conditions, such as:
All of the vaccines above can promote a healthier environment for our residents, staff, and visitors. If you're uncertain, your healthcare provider can give you expert guidance on which vaccines would be most important for you to get.
It can be a good idea to maintain a vaccination record including types and dates. This will help you stay up to date with what you do and don't need.
With these recommended vaccines for seniors, you can keep yourself better protected, allowing you to live a happier, healthier life. However, this isn't all it takes to enjoy your senior years. Living in a vibrant, welcoming environment is also key.
TerraBella Summerville is a leading senior living community that offers compassionate care and personalized services. We have various lifestyle programs, comfortable suites, and high-quality amenities, such as restaurant-style dining, a community garden, and in-house religious services.
Schedule a tour of our community now.