Vaccination Recommendations for Elderly Individuals

Core Vaccinations

The American College of Physicians recommends annual influenza vaccination for all adults aged 65 years and older, with high-dose influenza vaccine (Fluzone) specifically licensed for this age group 1, 4
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) followed by pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for adults aged 65 years or older, with specific schedules for those with immunocompromising conditions 1, 2, 3, 5
The CDC recommends tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine for adults aged 65 years or older who have not previously received it, with Td booster administered every 10 years after Tdap 1, 2, 6, 7
The CDC recommends the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) as a 2-dose series for adults aged 50 years and older, with RZV preferred over the older live zoster vaccine due to higher efficacy 1, 2

The CDC recommends hepatitis B vaccine for adults with diabetes, end-stage renal disease, chronic liver disease, or other specific risk factors, with a complete series consisting of either 2 or 3 doses depending on the vaccine used 5, 8
The CDC recommends hepatitis A vaccine for elderly with chronic liver disease, men who have sex with men, injection drug users, or those traveling to endemic areas, administered as a 2-dose series 5
The CDC recommends meningococcal vaccines for elderly with anatomical or functional asplenia, persistent complement component deficiencies, or during outbreaks, with a 2-dose series of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) recommended for those with high-risk conditions 8, 9
The CDC recommends MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine for healthcare personnel born before 1957 without evidence of immunity, especially during outbreaks 5, 9, 10

Failing to administer Tdap to elderly individuals who have never received it, regardless of when they last received a Td-containing vaccine, is a common pitfall to avoid 6, 7
Missing the opportunity to administer pneumococcal vaccines according to the recommended sequence (PCV13 followed by PPSV23) is a common pitfall to avoid 1, 3
Not considering the elderly's specific risk factors that might warrant additional vaccines beyond the core recommendations is a common pitfall to avoid 5, 9