Which vaccine is recommended for adults aged 65 and older?

Adults aged 65 and older are recommended to receive both the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) as part of their vaccination schedule. This combination enhances protection against pneumococcal disease, which can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

The PCV13 vaccine is usually administered first, followed by the PPSV23 at least one year later. This sequence boosts the immune response among older adults, who are at a higher risk for infections due to age-related changes in their immune system. It is crucial to ensure that this population is adequately protected because pneumococcal diseases can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.

While the influenza vaccine and the shingles vaccine are also important, they do not specifically offer the same comprehensive coverage against pneumococcal disease that is provided by the combination of PPSV23 and PCV13. The hepatitis B vaccine is often recommended for younger adults and specific high-risk groups but is not a routine vaccination for all adults aged 65 and older.