Vaccines for Older Adults

August 1, 2025

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

Vaccines aren’t just for kids. Each August, National Immunization Awareness Month reminds us of the vital role vaccinations play in keeping people of all ages safe—especially older adults, immunocompromised individuals, and those in long-term care or home health settings. Are you aware of how important vaccines for older adults are?

At Catholic Health Services, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable through proactive, compassionate, and coordinated care—including promoting timely immunizations for preventable diseases.

Why Are Vaccines for Older Adults Important?

As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making older adults more susceptible to infections and complications. Vaccines reduce that risk, helping prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and even death.

According to the CDC, thousands of adults in the U.S. die every year from diseases that vaccines could have prevented.

Essential Vaccines for Older Adults and High-Risk Populations

CHS encourages patients, residents, and families to discuss these critical vaccines with their healthcare providers:

💉 Flu Vaccine

  • Recommended annually for all adults, especially seniors
  • Prevents serious complications like pneumonia and hospitalization
  • Offered across CHS Skilled Nursing and Home Health programs

💉 Pneumococcal Vaccine

  • Protects against bacterial pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis
  • Especially important for individuals 65+ or with chronic health conditions

💉 Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine

  • Recommended for adults 50 and older
  • Reduces the risk of shingles and the painful nerve condition postherpetic neuralgia

💉 COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

  • Help reduce the severity of illness, especially in long-term care settings
  • Updated booster recommendations continue to evolve—talk to your provider to stay current

Your Role in Protecting Community Health

Vaccination isn’t just about individual protection—it’s about community immunity. When more people are vaccinated, we reduce the risk of outbreaks in our facilities, neighborhoods, and beyond.

Encourage the older adults in your life to stay on schedule with their immunizations. If you’re unsure of your vaccination status or that of a loved one, speak to you primary doctor for guidance.

Prevention Is Powerful

This Immunization Awareness Month, Catholic Health Services proudly reaffirms our commitment to preventive care and patient safety. That’s why we are spreading awareness of how important vaccines for older adults are. Whether you or a loved one receive care at home or in one of our facilities, you can count on CHS to prioritize protection against preventable illness.

Learn more about our full range of services at www.catholichealthservices.org/services