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Ten Important Vaccine Facts for Seniors 
 

1. Each year up to 60,000 adults, many aged 65 or older, die of infectious diseases that can be prevented, such as flu and pneumococcal infection.

2. All people 65 years of age or older should get flu, pneumococcal, and tetanus/diphtheria vaccines. People in certain high-risk groups should get the hepatitis B vaccine.

3. Pneumonia and flu together are the 6TH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH in the U.S. Most of these deaths occur in people aged 65 or older.

4. Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common types of pneumonia. It often leads to hospitalization.

5. Pneumococcal vaccine can prevent up to 60% of serious pneumococcal infections, but it will not protect you from other types of pneumonia

6. You cannot get pneumonia from the vaccine.

7. Flu vaccine can prevent up to 70% of hospitalizations and 85% of deaths from flu-related pneumonia.

8. Since flu viruses change each year, people should get the new vaccine each year, usually in the fall.

9. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine. However, flu vaccine will not protect you from other lung infections, such as colds and bronchitis.

10. Because most cases of tetanus and diphtheria occur in adults, ALL adults should receive booster shots every 10 years. People who travel outside the U.S. should be evaluated for other vaccines that may be necessary.

This information was adapted from work by the Institute for Advanced Studies in Immunology and Aging and the World Health Organization in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.