Yahoo Lifestyle Doctors Are Begging People Over 50 To Get This Vaccine Before January Ends
January places a premium on health and wellness. We make New Year's resolutions to follow the Mediterranean diet and become a gym regular, only to catch the seemingly inevitable cold.
While a great diet and exercise routine are excellent ways to improve your health—and sick happens—another critical step to protect your health is ensuring you're up to date on vaccines, especially if you are over 50. Wait, aren't vaccines more of a "kid thing?" Nope.
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"While young children are especially vulnerable to infection and benefit greatly from vaccines, as we get older, the health risks increase, and so does the value of vaccines," shares Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center.
OK, but isn't it too late to get some annual vaccines? Again, no. Doctors shared the No. 1 vaccine to get before January ends—especially if you're over 50—plus a few more not to skip.
Related: How Effective Is the Flu Shot This Year?
The No. 1 Vaccine Doctors Are Begging People To Get Before January Ends
Dr. Susan Donelan, MD, the medical director of healthcare epidemiology at Stony Brook Medicine, suggests everyone gets the flu shot. She adds people 65 and older are eligible for a high-dose one, and recommends they take advantage of it.
"As the country enters into its coldest months, we tend to spend more time indoors with others," Dr. Donelan says. "This enhances transmission of many different respiratory viruses and some bacteria between people."
Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann, agrees that the flu shot is important. She urges people to get that one and two more, especially if they are over 50 and haven't already rolled up their sleeves.
"This is a great time to get your flu shot, RSV vaccine and COVID booster if you haven't already this season," Dr. Yancey says. "We are in the middle of cold and flu season with lots of cases being seen in hospitals around the country."
A significant goal of these vaccines is to keep you out of the hospital.
"The seasonal viral vaccines are very important in people over 50," Dr. Yancey says. "The flu shot, RSV vaccine and COVID booster can keep you out of the hospital and are lifesaving in some cases."
Regarding RSV, the CDC recommends getting it at age 60. However, people ages 50 to 59 with a higher risk of developing severe RSV can also receive the vaccine. It's also currently not an annual vaccine like COVID-19 and flu. However, it's a vaccine people should get if they qualify and haven't already. Talking to your doctor about what's right for you is best.
As for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, they are not a one-shot deal. So, even if you got your vaccines last year, you'll want to ensure you get the latest and greatest.
"While some vaccines may only be needed once in a lifetime—measles or polio—others need ongoing boosters," Dr. Cutler says. "There are a couple of major reasons for this key difference. For some illnesses, our immunity wanes with time. That is why you need a tetanus shot every 10 years. But there are other illnesses — viruses like flu and COVID — which mutate over time, making previous immunity less effective."
When Should You Get Vaccinated for Flu and COVID-19?
The CDC recommends getting your flu shot in September or October. Dr. Donelan says that's because it's not easy to predict the onset of flu season, hence the recommendation. However, she and Dr. Yancey agree that January is not too late to get your flu shot.
"Cold and flu season can peak at any time during the winter," Dr. Yancey says. "Sometimes, we get late years with the peak happening in February or even March. January is not too late to get vaccinated."
In fact, Dr. Donelan says you'll still have excellent protection as the flu virus continues to spread.
"Two weeks after getting the vaccine, you begin optimal protection against being hospitalized, needing ICU care or dying from influenza," Dr. Donelan says. "As multiple other respiratory viruses and bacteria are also circulating, many of which do not have vaccines available to enhance protection against significant morbidity, this is an ideal time to arm yourself in the event you encounter multiple pathogens."
Related: The #1 Surprising Mistake People Over 50 Make Before Their Annual Vaccines
Other Vaccines Doctors Want the 50+ Crowd To Get
1. Shingles
Dr. Yancey mentioned the shingles vaccine. It is available to people ages 50 and older (but people as young as 19 with weakened immune systems can get it.) Dr. Yancey says this vaccine can prevent against "debilitating illness." The CDC cites data showing that it's 90% effective at preventing shingles and nerve pain (clinically known as postherpetic neuralgia) in people ages 50 and up with healthy immune systems.
2. tDAP
Drs. Yancey and Cutler also recommend staying current on tDAP vaccinations. This vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (Whooping cough). The CDC recommends adults get a new TDap vaccine every 10 years.
3. Bacterial pneumococcal pneumonia
ICYMI: Dr. Cutler reminds people that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted in October of 2024 to lower the age recommendation for a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine from 65 to 50 years old. It is not an annual vaccine, but it is vital to get if you qualify because this illness can cause symptoms including shortness of breath, cough and chest pain that can become life-threatening in severe cases.
4. Travel-specific vaccines
If you're traveling overseas, Dr. Donelan advises people to discuss vaccination needs with their doctors.
"Other vaccines, such as for hepatitis A or hepatitis B, should be discussed with PCPs, especially if foreign travel is planned," she says.
In fact, ultimately, the "must-get" vaccine this January depends on various factors. These include:
What prior vaccines you have received
What personal health risk factors you have
What vaccine-preventable diseases you are at risk for currently
"It is important to engage regularly with your primary care physician to answer these questions," Dr. Cutler says.
Up Next:
Related: Can You Get Your COVID Booster and Flu Shot At the Same Time? Here's What Doctors Say
Sources:
Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center
Dr. Susan Donelan, MD, the medical director of healthcare epidemiology at Stony Brook Medicine
Healthcare Providers: RSV Vaccination for Adults 60 Years of Age and Over. CDC.
Dr. Linda Yancey, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann
Who Needs a Flu Vaccine. CDC.
Shingles vaccination. CDC.
Diphtheria Vaccine Recommendations. CDC.
CDC Updates Vaccine Recommendations. CDC.
