Which vaccines are recommended for seniors this fall?

Seniors should prioritize an enhanced influenza shot this autumn, according to the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while also checking their status on RSV, pneumonia, shingles and, if appropriate, COVID‑19 vaccines. Dear Savvy Senior: I ever get my yearly flu shot, but I ne'er cognize whether I’m getting the close one. Can you explicate which flu vaccine is champion for seniors this autumn and whether determination are immoderate different recommended vaccines I should get? —Trying to Stay Healthy Dear Trying to Stay Healthy: If you are 65 or older, receiving your yearly flu shot remains one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself during flu season. With updated vaccines and shifting recommendations, many older adults are uncertain about which shots they need. The good news is that this fall’s advice for seniors is straightforward: obtain an enhanced flu vaccine and use the opportunity to ensure you are up to date on other key immunizations, including RSV, pneumonia, shingles and, depending on your health situation, COVID‑19. **Best flu shot for seniors** Influenza can be especially hazardous for older adults. As the immune system weakens with age, individuals 65 and older account for the majority of flu‑related hospitalizations and deaths. The CDC advises that adults 65 and older receive one of three enhanced flu vaccines instead of a standard dose: Fluzone high‑dose, Fluad or Flublok. Each vaccine works differently, but all generate a stronger immune response in older adults. Studies have not demonstrated that one outperforms the others, so there is no need to wait for a particular brand. The essential point is to get one of these enhanced vaccines as soon as it is available. Also new for the 2026‑27 flu season is Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine authorized in the United States. It is fully approved for adults ages 50 to 64 and has received accelerated approval for those 65 and older, pending further trial results. While mRNA technology could eventually allow flu vaccines to be updated more quickly to match circulating strains, adults 65 and older should continue to follow CDC recommendations and choose one of the three enhanced vaccines whenever possible. The optimal time to receive your flu shot is September or October, but getting vaccinated later still offers valuable protection; a dose administered in November or later can still be beneficial. Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per flu season at no cost when administered by a Medicare‑participating doctor, clinic or pharmacy. **Other vaccines** While you are getting your flu shot, it is also a sensible moment to review your other vaccinations with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The CDC recommends a single RSV vaccine for everyone 75 and older, as well as for adults aged 50 through 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness. Medicare Part D covers RSV vaccines. Adults 50 and older who have not yet received a pneumococcal vaccine should consider protection against serious forms of pneumonia. The preferred options are Prevnar 20 (PCV20) or Capvaxive (PCV21). Most people need only one dose, and Medicare Part B covers these vaccines. If you have not received the Shingrix shingles vaccine, it is another important shot to consider. The two‑dose series is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and the painful nerve complications that can follow. Medicare Part D covers both doses. COVID‑19 recommendations have become more individualized in recent years, but older adults remain at higher risk for serious illness. Discuss with your healthcare provider whether an updated COVID vaccine is appropriate for you. Medicare Part B covers COVID vaccines. **Vaccine timing** Flu, RSV, COVID‑19 and other recommended vaccines can generally be administered during the same visit. However, if you are concerned about temporary side effects such as fatigue, muscle aches or a sore arm, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about spacing them out. To locate providers offering these shots nearby, visit vaccines.gov. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.