Staying Healthy and Protected: A Guide to Immunisation for Older Adults
As we age, our immune system naturally becomes less effective at fighting off infections. This means that illnesses that might have been mild in our younger years can become much more serious. The good news is that modern immunisations offer a safe and highly effective way to protect your health and maintain your quality of life.
At Parkmore Medical Centre, we’re dedicated to helping our older patients in Keysborough stay healthy and active. A key part of this is ensuring you are up to date with the recommended vaccinations. Many of these are funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible age groups.
Let’s break down the most important immunisations for older adults.
1. The Annual Flu (Influenza) Vaccine
The flu is more than just a bad cold; for older adults, it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, hospitalisation, and long-term health decline.
- Why is it important? Your immunity from a flu shot decreases over time, and the flu virus itself changes each year. An annual vaccination is your best defence.
- What’s recommended? People aged 65 and over are advised to get an “enhanced” flu vaccine. These are specifically designed to create a stronger immune response in older adults.
- Cost: The annual flu vaccine is free for everyone aged 65 and over under the National Immunisation Program. We recommend getting it every autumn to be protected for the winter peak.
2. The Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. The risk of developing shingles and its most common complication—a severe, long-lasting nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia—increases significantly with age.
- Why is it important? The new shingles vaccine, S.®, is highly effective at preventing shingles and its debilitating complications.
- What’s recommended? A 2-dose course of S.® is recommended.
- Cost: S.® is free under the NIP for all Australians aged 65 and over.
3. The Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, and blood poisoning (sepsis). Older adults are at a much higher risk of severe outcomes.
- Why is it important? Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against the most common strains of the pneumococcal bacteria.
- What’s recommended? The type and number of doses depend on your age and health status, but vaccination is recommended for all adults aged 70 and over.
- Cost: Pneumococcal vaccines are free under the NIP for non-Indigenous adults aged 70 and over.
4. COVID-19 Boosters
Protection against COVID-19 wanes over time (just like flu vaccine). ATAGI (Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) recommends regular booster doses to protect against severe disease. For adults aged 75 and over, a booster is recommended every 6 months. For those aged 65-74, a booster is recommended every 12 months and eligible for a dose every 6 months. Also, COVID-19 booster is recommended for adults >18 years with medical conditions resulting in severe immunocompromise.
During periods of heightened community transmission, such as the COVID-19 surge occurring in July 2025, these measures are vital. This guidance holds true for all individuals at risk, irrespective of how many COVID-19 vaccinations they have previously received.
5. Whooping Cough Boosters
This is especially important for grandparents and anyone who will be in close contact with a new baby. A booster dose of the dTpa vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) is recommended if you haven’t had one in the last 10 years, to protect vulnerable infants before they are fully immunised.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. In adults, it can present as a persistent, hacking cough that can last for months—earning it the nickname “the 100-day cough.” While it’s certainly unpleasant for an adult, it can be life-threatening for an infant under six months of age, who is too young to have completed their own vaccinations. It’s important for your protection also.
6. RSV Vaccine*
In Australia, two RSV vaccines have been approved for use in older adults. RSV vaccines are currently not on the NIP for older adults (only for pregnant women). These vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV.
RSV is a common and contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. For most healthy adults, it causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, and sore throat. However, in older adults, whose immune systems are naturally less robust, RSV can lead to more severe complications like pneumonia, bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs), and can worsen existing chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and congestive heart failure.
While anyone can get RSV, older adults are at a higher risk of developing a severe infection. Those particularly vulnerable include:
Adults aged 75 and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over
Adults aged 60 and over with underlying health conditions such as chronic heart or lung disease, or weakened immune systems.
Key points to remember:
Who should get vaccinated? The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends RSV vaccination for all adults aged 75 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over. It is also recommended for those aged 60-74 with medical risk factors. Other adults aged 60-74 can also consider vaccination.
When to get vaccinated? The vaccine can be given at any time of year, but it is best to get vaccinated before the start of the RSV season, which typically peaks in the winter months.
Cost: Currently, the RSV vaccine for older adults is not funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This means there is a private cost for the vaccine around $325.
Your GP is Your Best Resource
Navigating immunisation schedules can seem complex, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Your GP at Parkmore Medical Centre can review your health history, check your immunisation status on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), and provide a personalised vaccination plan.
Protecting your health is a vital part of ageing well. If you have any questions or want to check if you’re up to date, please schedule an appointment with us.
Written by the medical team at Parkmore Medical Centre.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
