Vaccines and Healthy Aging: A Step Toward Staying Well

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Staying healthy as we age is about more than treating illness. It is about preventing it whenever possible. Vaccines are an important part of preventive care for older adults. They help prepare the body to fight certain infections. Even when they do not prevent every infection, vaccines can lower the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

At CenterLight Healthcare Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), we believe older adults should be supported in living healthy, fulfilled lives in the comfort of their homes and communities. Preventive care can support that goal as part of a personalized, culturally sensitive care plan.

Why Vaccines Matter More as We Age

As we get older, changes in the immune system can make it harder to fight infections. Many older adults also live with chronic conditions that may increase the chance of complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, in recent years, people 65 years and older accounted for 50% to 70% of flu-related hospitalizations.

Regardless of your age, vaccinations can help reduce these risks while also protecting the routines and connections that matter, from spending time with family and friends to enjoying community activities and managing everyday responsibilities.

Vaccines to Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider

Vaccine needs are personal. They can depend on age, health conditions, prior vaccinations, medications, travel, and other factors. The current CDC adult schedule includes guidance on the following vaccines for older adults:

Flu: Recommended every year.

COVID-19: Staying up to date can reduce the risk of hospitalization and critical illness. Ask your healthcare provider which current dose or doses are right for you.

RSV: The CDC schedule recommends RSV vaccination for adults age 75 and older, and for some adults ages 50 through 74 who have added risk factors. Your provider can help determine whether it is appropriate for you.

Shingles: A two-dose shingles vaccine is recommended for adults age 50 and older and for certain immunocompromised adults.

Pneumococcal disease: Pneumococcal vaccination helps protect against serious infections such as pneumonia and bloodstream infection. The vaccine and timing depend on age, health history, and any prior pneumococcal vaccines.

Tdap or Td: Adults should receive one Tdap dose if they have never had one, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years, with additional guidance for wound care.

Tips for community members: Bring your vaccine record or a photo of it to your next appointment. Share any questions about allergies, previous reactions, medications, or health conditions. In many cases, more than one recommended vaccine can be given during the same visit, although your provider will advise you based on your individual needs.

We Are Here to Help

At CenterLight PACE, care is centered on the whole person. If you are a CenterLight participant, your care team will discuss your health history with you and recommend appropriate vaccines. Our goal is to help prevent illness, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and support you in staying safe, healthy, and independent in the comfort of your own home.

CenterLight Healthcare PACE se compromete a proporcionar información precisa relacionada con la salud para ayudar a las personas a vivir bien, mantenerse sanas y tomar decisiones bien informadas sobre la atención sanitaria. La información contenida en este material es estrictamente educativa. Recomendamos a los usuarios que consulten con su proveedor médico acerca de su atención.

About the Author

This blog post is written by Heather Ogando, MD, Vice President of Clinical Operations at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.

In her own words:

“I chose to work in healthcare because I saw firsthand how overwhelming and inefficient the system can feel for so many people. I wanted to be part of making it more accessible and easier to navigate, so individuals can spend less time struggling with the system and more time focusing on their health and well-being.”

Fuentes:

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Updated October 16, 2026