For adults 65 years and older, what is a recommended vaccination?

The pneumococcal vaccine is highly recommended for adults aged 65 years and older due to their increased vulnerability to pneumococcal infections, which can lead to serious respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The immune system tends to weaken with age, making older adults more susceptible to infections and complications from diseases that can be prevented by vaccination.

Receiving the pneumococcal vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of these potentially severe infections. It is typically administered as part of a recommended vaccination schedule for older adults to safeguard their health and well-being.

In contrast, while the COVID-19 vaccine can also be important for older adults—given the heightened risk of severe illness from COVID-19—it is specifically the pneumococcal vaccine that is specifically indicated for prevention against pneumococcal disease in this age group. The tuberculosis vaccine is not routinely recommended in Canada for the general population, and the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is more relevant for younger individuals, especially those who are unvaccinated or in outbreak situations.