From the Guidelines
For a 90-year-old male in Australia, the most critical vaccines to consider are the annual influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine (such as Prevenar 13 and/or Pneumovax 23), shingles vaccine (Shingrix), and a tetanus-diphtheria booster (dT) if it's been more than 10 years since the last dose, with specific guidance on pneumococcal vaccination depending on previous vaccine history, as outlined in recent guidelines 1. Given the age and location, these vaccines are crucial for preventing serious infections and complications.
- The annual influenza vaccine is vital as it helps protect against the flu, which can be particularly severe in older adults.
- Pneumococcal vaccines, such as Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23, are recommended for preventing pneumonia and other serious infections, with the specific type and timing dependent on previous vaccination history, as detailed in guidelines like those from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices 1.
- The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is effective in preventing shingles and its complications, which become more common with age.
- A tetanus-diphtheria booster is necessary if it has been more than 10 years since the last dose to maintain protection against these potentially serious infections. It's also important to consider the COVID-19 vaccine and any recommended boosters, as these are crucial for protecting against COVID-19, especially in older adults. Before receiving any vaccines, it's essential for the individual to discuss their complete medical history with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate vaccines and timing, considering any specific health conditions that might influence vaccine recommendations 1.
From the Research
Vaccines Required for a 90-Year-Old Male in Australia
- Influenza vaccine: recommended annually to prevent influenza, which can be severe in older adults 2, 3
- Pneumococcal vaccine: recommended to prevent pneumococcal disease, which can cause serious infections such as pneumonia and meningitis 4, 2, 3
- Herpes zoster vaccine: recommended to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia 4, 2, 3
- COVID-19 vaccine: recommended to prevent COVID-19, which can be severe in older adults 2
Factors Influencing Vaccine Uptake
- Socio-demographics: factors such as female sex, increased educational attainment, and annual household income are associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination 5
- Health status: factors such as chronic comorbidities and shorter disease duration are associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination 6
- Healthcare utilization: factors such as treatment with corticosteroids and biologic or targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination 6
Vaccine Coverage and Effectiveness
- Influenza vaccine: has been shown to significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly 3
- Pneumococcal vaccine: has been shown to significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly 3
- Herpes zoster vaccine: has been shown to have a protective effect against stroke, but more studies are needed to fully understand its benefits 3