Women's Health    

What older adults need to know about flu and COVID-19 vaccines



What older adults need to know about flu and COVID-19 vaccines


Colder weather brings a change in seasons and often an uptick in flu and COVID-19 cases. The viruses that cause COVID-19 and flu keep changing and infecting thousands of people each year, with older adults being most at risk. The vaccines are updated to provide protection against the viruses currently circulating in communities.

“Vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness from flu and COVID-19,” said Dr. Nirav D. Shah, principal deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “People who get flu or COVID-19 after getting vaccinated are much less likely than those who did not get a vaccine to get very sick or go to the hospital.”

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about flu and COVID-19 vaccines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Risk Less. Do More. public education campaign.

Which older adults should get vaccinated? The CDC says all people ages 6 months and older should get updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Adults ages 65 and older have the greatest risk of sickness or having to go to the hospital from infection. Getting these vaccines is important for older people who live in nursing homes or other places where a lot of people live together, and viruses can spread easily.

READ MORE: Everyday habits to help protect against illness this season

When should older adults get vaccinated? The best time to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines is in September and October. If that’s not possible, then getting vaccinated later in the fall and winter can still help limit serious symptoms. Getting these vaccines early is not recommended given that immunity may start to wane just as respiratory viruses usually peak.

Can older adults get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines together? It is safe for older adults to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. For most people, it’s also simpler to get them during the same visit. Getting the vaccines in different arms is recommended.

Why should older adults get vaccinated? Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from serious sickness and death. Older adults have a higher risk of serious illness. As people grow older, their immune systems tend to weaken, and older adults are more likely to have pre-existing health issues that may put them at higher risk. Most people who end up in the hospital for flu or COVID-19 are older adults – especially older adults who have not been vaccinated. More than 95% of adults who went to the hospital for COVID-19 last year had not gotten the updated vaccine.

What should people who support older adults with their health care decisions know? Flu and COVID-19 vaccines help people risk less severe illness and do more of what they enjoy. Yet many people are unaware of the benefits of these vaccines. That’s why it’s important that people talk with their older family members about getting flu and COVID-19 vaccines this season.   

Talk to your doctor about the updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines as well as treatment options. You can also learn more at cdc.gov/RiskLessDoMore.

(Family Features)
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE: United States Department of Health and Human Services



Other articles by HVP News Reporters on Aging


  • What older adults should know this RSV season

    How to stay healthy

    Each year, up to 160,000 older adults living in the United States are hospitalized and as many as 10,000 die due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is a highly contagious virus that spreads through close contact with infected individuals, typically increasing during the fall and peaking in winter. read more »
  • Alleviating the burden in treating Type 1 Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease

    Here's info you need to know

    While diabetes gets a lot of attention, people with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) are frequently overlooked when drug companies develop new medications. read more »
  • How to get the health care you want and need

    Older adults speak out about aging

    Older adults in America often face a harsh reality regarding health care. While Baby Boomers live longer than prior generations, they are more likely to struggle to get the care they need due to financial challenges, hard-to-navigate health insurance coverage, and widening gaps between who receives high-quality care and who doesn’t. read more »
  • Be proactive to prevent heart attacks and strokes

    Understanding the risks of uncontrolled LDL cholesterol

    Millions of Americans are at risk for life-threatening cardiovascular events due to high cholesterol, a condition nearly everyone has heard of yet just a fraction fully understand. In fact, many don’t realize they have high levels of harmful cholesterol until they experience a heart attack or stroke. read more »
  • For healthy aging, avoid these common obstacles to good nutrition

    Proper nutrition is critical to older adults’ overall vitality, providing energy, helping to control weight, and even preventing and managing some diseases. read more »
  • Volunteering together

    Building friendships and strengthening bonds

    Volunteering has always been a big part of Shelley Brosnan’s life, whether she was serving in her children’s school or their Fairfax, Va., community. When Brosnan retired, increasing her volunteer efforts was a natural next step. read more »
  • Protecting Americans’ access to high-quality health care

    Accepting Medicare is becoming increasingly unsustainable

    Accepting Medicare is becoming increasingly unsustainable for physicians, which has resulted in many practices refusing to take new Medicare patients, or even to shutter their doors. read more »
  • It’s time to care about long-term care

    Plan early for you and your loved ones

    While many people picture retirement as an opportunity to relax, retirees can face many challenges, including the potential need for long-term care. read more »
  • Prioritize your mental health with these 9 tips

    It's important for everyone

    As the new year begins, many people make resolutions regarding their physical health, but it’s just as important to focus on mental health in the year ahead, especially for older adults, according to experts. read more »
  • Caring for older adults

    Managing heart attack treatment and follow-up care

    As the proportion of older adults in the U.S. continues to increase, appropriate care for older people becomes increasingly important. In fact, caregivers and loved ones should be aware of age-appropriate care for heart attack or chest pain. read more »