Which vaccines should older adults get this year, and when?

If you are an older adult, or you help care for one, the main vaccine question this year is usually not “Which one vaccine do I need?” It is “Which vaccines still make sense for my age, health history, and the season we are entering?”

For many adults 50 and older, CDC guidance points to protection against RSV, pneumococcal disease, shingles, flu, and, for some people, COVID-19. The best schedule depends on which shots have already been given and whether someone has higher risk because of age or certain medical conditions.

RSV: one dose, and timing matters

The CDC recommends a single RSV vaccine dose for all adults ages 75 and older and for adults ages 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. People who have not yet gotten an RSV vaccine can receive it at any time, but the CDC says the best time is late summer or early fall before RSV usually starts to spread in the community.

That timing matters because RSV season can rise later in the year, and the goal is to build protection before respiratory viruses start circulating more widely. The CDC also says RSV vaccines can be given during the same visit as other adult vaccines, although short-term side effects such as soreness, fever, headache, or muscle aches may be more common when shots are given together.

Pneumococcal vaccine: many adults 50 and older qualify

Adults 50 and older who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine may need one of three options: PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21. If PCV15 is used, the CDC recommends following it with PPSV23. If PCV20 or PCV21 is used, an extra PPSV23 dose is not indicated.

This vaccine helps protect against serious pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia. People who are not sure what they received before should ask a clinician, pharmacist, or primary care office to check their records rather than guessing.

Shingles: the 2-dose Shingrix series starts at age 50

CDC guidance says adults 50 and older should get the two-dose Shingrix series, even if they have had shingles before. The second dose is usually given two to six months after the first.

Common side effects can include pain where the shot was given, tiredness, muscle pain, headache, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. Those reactions usually last only a few days, but people should contact a clinician if they have a severe reaction or symptoms that do not improve. The CDC also says some people should not get Shingrix right away, including those with a severe allergy to a vaccine ingredient or anyone who is moderately or severely ill at the time of vaccination.

Flu and COVID-19: seasonal protection still matters

Annual flu vaccination remains recommended for adults, including older adults, because flu activity can cause serious illness and hospitalization. The current CDC COVID-19 guidance uses individual-based decision-making, including for adults 65 and older, with the greatest expected benefit for people at higher risk of severe disease.

For many families and caregivers, the practical question is whether several vaccines can be given in one visit. In many cases, yes — but the best choice depends on the specific vaccines, the person’s health status, and whether a clinician or pharmacist wants to simplify follow-up or watch for side effects.

What readers can do

Ask which vaccines are due based on age, chronic conditions, and past records.
Bring an immunization history, even if it is incomplete.
Ask whether RSV timing should wait until late summer or early fall.
Check whether pneumococcal vaccination should be PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21.
Ask whether shingles vaccination is complete, especially if only one dose was received.
Ask if flu, COVID-19, or other adult vaccines can be given at the same visit.

The bottom line: the right vaccine plan depends on age, prior vaccination history, and health status. CDC guidance can change over time, so it is worth confirming current recommendations with a clinician or pharmacist before getting vaccinated.

Sources

Editorial note: Weence articles are researched from cited public-health, medical, regulatory, journal, and reputable news sources and may be drafted with AI assistance. They are checked for source support, clarity, and safety guardrails before publication.

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early or incomplete, and health guidance can change. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional about personal symptoms, diagnosis, medications, vaccines, screenings, or treatment decisions. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call emergency services right away.