Vaccines and Older Adults: Everything You Need to Know

Traditionally, vaccines are thought of as something that’s meant for children. To a certain extent, this is true. However, what you may not know is that the effectiveness of childhood vaccines can fall off with time. Older adults can also face an increased risk of disease due to their age, job, lifestyle, travel, or existing health conditions.

For all of these reasons, it’s a good idea for older adults to take some time to review their vaccinations. You may find that it’s time to get some new ones. To help you with that, we’ve created a list of the most common vaccines for older adults. We’ve also included some information on which of these vaccines can be covered by your Medicare plan. Keep reading to learn more.

Three Vaccines Every Adult Over 50 Needs

Studies have found that our immune systems tend to weaken as we get older. This puts older adults at a higher risk for several diseases. Thankfully, many of these diseases can be prevented by simply making sure that you receive the appropriate vaccine. With that in mind, here are three vaccines that you should get if you haven’t already.

1. Shingles Vaccine

Nearly one out of every three people in the United States will get shingles in their lifetime. This risk increases as we grow older. That’s why, if you haven’t already, it’s time to make sure that your shingles vaccination is up to date.

2. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)

This vaccine protects older adults against serious pneumococcal diseases, including meningitis and bloodstream infections. These can be especially challenging for older adults to deal with. That’s why the CDC recommends that all adults over 65 get this vaccine.

3. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)

This vaccine also protects against pneumococcal diseases. What makes it important to get is that it offers protection against pneumonia. While this vaccine is important for all older adults to receive, it’s especially crucial that those with weakened immune systems or other pre-existing health conditions get it.

Make Sure to Get Yearly Flu Vaccinations

While you may not have needed flu vaccinations in your younger years, you should absolutely get them as an older adult. The flu can be more challenging for an older adult to deal with. Make sure that you keep yourself safe by getting this vaccine each year.

Using Medicare to Cover the Costs of Vaccines

Thankfully, you can use your Medicare health insurance to cover the costs you would have to pay for receiving several key vaccines. For example, Medicare Part B can pay for the following vaccines:

• Influenza
• Shingles
• Pneumococcal
• Hepatitis B

If you have Medicare Part D, you may be able to get the costs of even more vaccines covered. This enables you to receive the vaccinations that you need to remain safe without having to break your budget to do so.

To learn more about the vaccines that your Medicare health insurance will cover, get in touch with a partnered licensed agent at Time for 65. They’re the Medicare experts who can offer you personalized information about your coverage.

You can reach an agent today by either filling out this form or giving us a call. We look forward to hearing from you to get started.