Many people think vaccines are only for children, but in reality older adults need them too. As we age, the immune system responds less effectively to pathogens (a state known as immunosenescence), so infections are often more severe and recovery is slower. Appropriate vaccination therefore clearly helps reduce both the severity of illness and its complications.
Why older adults have all the more reason to be vaccinated
Beyond the natural decline in immunity with age, many older adults also have underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or chronic lung disease, which further raise the risk of serious complications when they fall ill. Vaccines help reduce the chance of severe illness, lower hospital admissions and help older people go about daily life with confidence.
Vaccines recommended for older adults
- Influenza — given yearly, reduces severity and complications
- Pneumococcal disease (IPD) — protects against pneumonia and bloodstream infection
- Shingles (herpes zoster) — recommended for people aged 50 and over, reduces the risk of long-lasting nerve pain after shingles
- Tetanus–diphtheria (Td) — booster every 10 years
- COVID-19 — vaccination and boosters as advised by the doctor and the Ministry of Public Health
Older adults with chronic conditions have all the more reason to receive these vaccines, as they gain greater protective benefit than the general population. The doctor will assess which vaccines are suitable for each person's health and underlying conditions.
Get vaccinated with us with confidence
Doctor Chat Clinic provides vaccinations for older adults given by a doctor, who assesses underlying conditions before each injection. Every vaccine is stored in a hospital-grade temperature-controlled cold chain, for the highest effectiveness and safety.
Symptoms older adults should not ignore — see a doctor promptly
- High fever, or a fever that does not come down within 1–2 days
- Breathlessness, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing or chest tightness
- Drowsiness, confusion, being hard to rouse, or unusually severe fatigue
- Eating little, drinking little, or signs of dehydration
- A rash or fluid-filled blisters in a band with a burning, painful sensation (suspected shingles) — see a doctor early
Getting ready before your vaccination
- Bring a list of your regular medicines and your history of underlying conditions, so the doctor can assess you fully
- Tell the doctor about any drug or vaccine allergies, and any vaccines you have had before
- If you have a fever or an acute illness on the day of your appointment, tell the doctor so it can be postponed if needed
- After the injection, sit and rest to watch for symptoms for 15–30 minutes before going home