Staying current with vaccines and screenings is one of the best ways older adults can protect their health. Use this checklist to start the conversation with your doctor or pharmacist.
Vaccines for Older Adults
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend these vaccines for most adults age 50+ or 65+, depending on health status:
- Flu (Influenza): Every year, ideally in early fall.
- COVID-19: Annual updated shot (timing depends on CDC guidance and variants).
- Pneumococcal (Pneumonia): At age 65+ (PCV20, or PCV15 followed by PPSV23).
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Shingrix, two doses starting at age 50+ (not annual, but important if not yet received).
- Tdap / Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): One Tdap dose as an adult, then a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.
The CDC recommends shared decision-making regarding the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine depending on your age and risk factors.
- A single dose of an FDA-licensed RSV vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 75 or older
- For adults aged 50 to 74, the vaccine is recommended if you are at increased risk of severe RSV disease (e.g. chronic heart or lung disease, immunocompromise, etc.).
- The vaccine is not currently annual. Once you get the recommended dose (if eligible), you generally do not need another dose yet.
- The best timing for administering the vaccine is in late summer to early fall (before the RSV season begins).
Annual Screenings & Preventive Checks
These depend on age, sex, and medical history, but in general:
- Blood Pressure: At least annually.
- Cholesterol & Blood Sugar (Diabetes): Every 1–3 years, sometimes annually if at risk.
- Colorectal Cancer: Continue regular screening until at least age 75 (colonoscopy every 10 years, or other stool-based tests more frequently).
- Breast Cancer (Women): Mammogram every 1–2 years until at least 74, depending on health.
- Cervical Cancer (Women): Stop after 65 if past screenings were normal.
- Prostate Cancer (Men): Discuss PSA testing with your doctor (not routine for all).
- Osteoporosis (Bone Density): Once at age 65 for women, sometimes earlier for men/women at risk; repeat as advised.
- Vision & Hearing: Annually or as symptoms arise.
- Skin Checks: Self-check monthly; doctor exam as needed.
- Depression & Cognitive Screening: Often part of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.
Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
For adults 65+, Medicare covers an annual visit that reviews:
- Preventive screenings
- Vaccination needs
- Fall risk, safety, and mental health
Your pharmacist is a trusted source of information. He or she is familiar with your medical history and can answer any questions you have regarding how you can protect your health.