• Influenza can lead to severe illness in older adults, resulting in hospitalizations, pneumonia, or even death. The influenza vaccine is recommended annually, ideally before the peak season during the rainy or winter months.
• Older adults aged 65 years or older may consider receiving a high-dose influenza vaccine, as it has been shown to be more effective in preventing severe disease.

• Pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) are infectious diseases commonly found in older adults, caused by pneumococcus bacteria, which can mutate and is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets from breathing, sneezing, and coughing. Illnesses caused by pneumococcus include pneumonia, pneumonitis, otitis, and sinusitis. Severe pneumococcal infections can lead to invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), resulting in conditions such as sepsis and meningitis.
• It is recommended to receive two types of pneumococcal vaccines: one dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 or PCV15), followed by the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) one year later.
• Alternatively, individuals who have never received a pneumococcal vaccine can choose the conjugate 20-valent vaccine as a single dose, if available.

• Older adults are considered to be at higher risk for severe disease, death, or long-term health issues from COVID-19. The mortality rate for an older person with other medical conditions who contracts COVID-19 can be as high as 1 in 3. Research shows that the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce the risk of transmission and prevent severe disease. The vaccine has been shown to have few serious side effects, and these occur less frequently in older adults than in younger individuals.
• It is recommended that older adults receive one dose of an mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine annually.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a virus similar to the flu or COVID-19 that can cause severe respiratory infections and complications in older adults and young children. It typically occurs seasonally during the rainy and cold months. Older adults, especially those with chronic lung or heart disease, should consider getting vaccinated to prevent RSV.
 

• Tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough still occur in Thailand and can cause severe disease in older adults.
• The tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is a combination booster shot administered every ten years. Many countries in Europe, as well as the United States, recommend the Tdap vaccine for older adults rather than just the tetanus-diphtheria toxoid (Td) or tetanus vaccine.

• Shingles occurs more frequently as a person ages. The most significant complication of shingles is pain and burning along the nerves, which can be more severe and longer-lasting in older adults than in younger individuals. The shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of contracting shingles and its complications.
• It is recommended that adults over the age of 50 receive the recombinant zoster vaccine. This vaccine is administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart.

After any vaccination, some low-grade fever, pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site can be expected. A dose of 500 milligrams of paracetamol may be taken as needed, and symptoms should improve within 2 to 3 days. If symptoms persist, contact with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Vaccines are an effective health prevention strategy. They help save future medical costs and prevent diseases, allowing for the maintenance of a good quality of life.

Further consultation and advice regarding appropriate vaccinations for older adults can be obtained at the New Life Healthy Aging Clinic, Bumrungrad Hospital. 
 

• Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of Thailand. Recommended adult and elderly immunization schedule, Infectious Disease Association of Thailand, 2023. Available from: https://www.pidst.or.th/A1333.html [Accessed 5 November 2024].
• World Health Organization. COVID-19 advice for the public: Getting vaccinated. Available from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines/advice [Accessed 5 November 2024].
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html [Accessed 5 November 2024].