This World Immunization Week 2026, we’re going to talk about vaccines for older adults. This is your opportunity to talk to your physician about which vaccines you’ll need throughout the year and when to get them. Older adults are more susceptible to certain illnesses like influenza than the general population.
Boosters
New vaccines are released quite frequently. Depending on your age, your childhood vaccine recommendations may be very different than what they are now and you may need boosters or vaccines to supplement not getting certain vaccines at a younger age. Be sure to share as much of your vaccine history as you can with your provider so that they can best advise you.
Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions after vaccines are both rare and usually much less dangerous than the risk of getting their associated disease. However, if you have any questions or concerns please talk to your provider about them. They can talk to you about any pre-existing conditions that you may have and how the vaccine may interact with that condition.
Affordability
Many vaccines that you will need are covered by Medicare/Medicaid, with little cost to you. There may also be local programs to provide you with vaccines for low cost.
Get protected against preventable illnesses and stay healthy!
Written by Brigid Coffey
