National Immunization Awareness Month

August 2025

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance meant to highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. However, it is particularly important for older adults because as you age, your immune system weakens, and it can be more difficult to fight off infections.

Certain immunizations can help keep seniors from getting and spreading serious diseases that could result in poor health, medical bills, and the inability to take care of yourself.

In fact, some seniors may need one or more vaccines, even if they received them as a child or younger adult. Immunity to certain diseases can wear off over time.

What Vaccines Do I Need to Get?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for seniors to prevent:

• Influenza (Flu)

  • All adults need a seasonal flu vaccine every year. It is particularly important for people with chronic health conditions and older adults. More than 60% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years of age or older

• Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

  • About half of the estimated 1 million Americans who get shingles every year are 60 and older

• Pneumonia

  • Each year in the U.S., 18,000 adults 65 and older die from this disease. Thousands more end up in the hospital.

• Diphtheria & Tetanus

  • Although rare in the U.S. today, both diphtheria & tetanus are very serious diseases caused by bacteria. Diphtheria spreads from person to person through secretions from coughing or sneezing

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

  • Because pertussis may feel like a regular cold at first, an adult may not know they have it and then pass it on to someone in their family. Adult pertussis immunity wears off, putting infants at increased risk

If you are unsure about your immunizations, please schedule an appointment with your doctor.

4 Reasons Why Seniors Need Vaccines

• Vaccines boost the immune system

  • Older adults are more susceptible to disease and infection due to a weakened immune system. It takes longer to respond to germs and is slower to fight infections. Vaccines act like the infection, teaching the immune system how to fight viruses or bacterial illnesses in the future

• Vaccines protect against serious diseases

  • The National Institute on Aging estimates that approx. 85% of the older adult population in the U.S. has at least one chronic health condition; older adults with chronic health conditions have an increased risk for complications from certain diseases, including the seasonal flu

• Vaccines may prevent loss of independence

  • Long-term illness due to complications from a vaccine-preventable disease can result in a decline in daily functioning. Vaccines offer optimal protection for older adults who desire to remain healthy and independent as they age

• Keeps the community healthy

  • Vaccinations not only protect older adults as they age, but they also help to protect the community at large. Vaccines help contain certain diseases, as the germs can’t travel as easily from person to person and the entire community remains healthy