Vaccinations for older adults
As we get older, our immune systems tend to weaken, putting us at higher risk for certain diseases. All adults aged 65 and over should make sure they are up-to-date with any vaccines they are eligible for.
- This includes two vaccinations that protect against shingles and pneumococcal infections
- All adults over the age of 65 are recommended to have a one-off PPV vaccine (pneumococcal infections)
- All adults aged 70 to 79 are encouraged to have a one-off shingles vaccine
- As winter approaches it is important for those eligible to also have an annual flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster.
Pneumococcal vaccine (PPV)
- Pneumococcal infections are caused by bacteria which can lead to pneumonia, blood poisoning (sepsis) and meningitis.
- These infections are often serious and potentially fatal. The pneumococcal vaccine or PPV protects against pneumococcal infections.
- The PPV vaccine is available for all adults over 65 years old from a GP surgery
- The PPV vaccine is also available for people who are at high risk due to long-term health conditions such as COPD, heart disease and diabetes
Shingles
- Shingles is a very common, painful skin disease, caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus you may have had when you were younger.
- Shingles causes a burning sensation in the skin, followed by a painful rash or blisters developing on the skin. Some people are left with pain lasting for years after the initial rash has healed.
- The shingles vaccine can reduce your risk of getting shingles and reduce the severity of symptoms if you do catch shingles
- The PPV vaccine is available for all adults aged 70-79 years old from your GP surgery