Adults over 65 should be up to date on five vaccines: annual flu, shingles, pneumococcal, RSV, and a Tdap or Td booster every ten years. COVID vaccination is also recommended, though the guidance has shifted, so ask your pharmacist what applies now. Two of these changed recently. The CDC lowered the routine pneumococcal age from 65 to 50, and RSV is now recommended as a single dose for everyone 75 and older, plus adults 50 to 74 at higher risk. Shingles protection starts at 50. Below is each vaccine, when to get it, and how many doses you need.
Senior Vaccine Schedule
| Vaccine | Starting Age | Doses |
| Flu | Every year, any age | 1 each fall |
| Shingles (Shingrix) | 50 | 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart |
| Pneumococcal | 50 | Usually 1, depending on history |
| RSV | 75, or 50 with risk factors | 1 dose, not yearly |
| Tdap or Td | Ongoing | 1 every 10 years |
Why Shingles Vaccination Matters at This Age
Shingles risk climbs sharply with age because immunity to the chickenpox virus fades. The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix, two to six months apart, for adults 50 and older. That holds even if you have already had shingles, and even if you got the older Zostavax vaccine years ago. Both doses are needed. A single dose leaves you short of full protection.
When to Get RSV and Pneumococcal Shots
RSV is not an annual shot. The CDC recommends one dose for all adults 75 and older, and for adults 50 to 74 with conditions that raise their risk of severe illness. Timing matters more here than with other vaccines. August through October is best, just ahead of RSV season. Pneumococcal is usually one dose of a newer conjugate vaccine, and whether you need another depends on what you have had before. A pharmacist review can check your record.
Final Thoughts
Most seniors are behind on at least one of these, usually shingles or RSV. You can often get more than one shot in the same visit. Bring your vaccination record, or we can look up what Illinois has on file for you. Call VillageRx or stop by to book your vaccinations.