Vaccinations protect us from infectious diseases, such as polio and whooping cough that once caused illness, disability and even death. They also protect the community as a whole by reducing the number of people who develop the diseases and pass them on to others.

The need for vaccinations is not confined to children. Older people, because of their weaker immune systems, may benefit from being vaccinated against diseases that particularly affect older people. They may also benefit from having boosters of some of the childhood vaccinations whose effect has worn off by later life.

 Older people may benefit from being vaccinated

against diseases that particularly affect older people.

This article briefly discusses some of the vaccinations that can be beneficial for older people. It does not cover vaccines needed when travelling overseas.

Swine flu

Although for most people swine flu is a mild disease, it can be serious and even life-threatening for some. People with certain chronic illnesses, young people and pregnant women seem to be more vulnerable.

Because of its potential danger, the Government recommends that everyone be vaccinated against swine flu to prevent vulnerable people getting it, and to reduce its spread in the community. The vaccine is available free of charge to all.

Flu

Older people and people with chronic illnesses are more likely to become seriously ill if they get the flu, because their immune systems are weaker. It is recommended that the following people be vaccinated against the flu every year:

• people aged 65 and over
• people with chronic illnesses, such as heart, lung and kidney conditions and diabetes
• smokers.
  

Annual jabs are needed because the flu virus is constantly changing. Each year, new vaccines are developed to protect people against the form of the virus expected to be most common in the community that year. To be protected, you must have had the latest vaccine.

The flu vaccine is free for people aged 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 and over.

Pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease is an infection that can cause pneumonia and other problems in older people, people with weak immune systems, and people who smoke or have a lung condition.

The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended and available free of charge for people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 50 and over, and other people who are more likely to develop the infection because they have a chronic illness.

Whooping cough

Adults lose their immunity to whooping cough — also known as pertussis — over time. As a result, people who had whooping cough or were vaccinated as children can get it as adults and pass it on to babies who have not yet been fully immunised. Over half the infants who develop whooping cough pick it up from family members.

People aged 50 or over — particularly those in contact with young children — should consider having a booster pertussis vaccination, so they don’t get whooping cough or pass it on to young children. The vaccination is usually combined with a vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria.

Tetanus and diphtheria

People aged 50 and over who have not had a booster vaccination against diphtheria and tetanus in the last 10 years should have one.

Also, adults who have not had a tetanus booster in the last five years should have one if they get a ‘dirty’ cut or a wound, such as a gardening wound or a nail puncture, that could become infected with tetanus.

Shingles

Shingles can be a very unpleasant condition with long-lasting after effects. People over 50 who have had chickenpox may want to consider being vaccinated against shingles.

Other

Some older people may be advised to have other vaccinations, particularly if they missed some of their childhood vaccinations or their medical conditions or activities increase their chances of contracting certain infections.

Talk to your doctor

The recommendations given here are general recommendations only. The vaccinations that might be beneficial for you will depend on your age, health and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about which vaccinations might be appropriate for you.