What vaccinations are recommended for an 80-year-old individual?

From the Guidelines

For an 80-year-old individual, the most critical vaccinations recommended are the annual influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccines, Tdap or Td boosters, and the shingles vaccine Shingrix, as these significantly reduce the risk of morbidity, mortality, and improve quality of life. The influenza vaccine should be received annually, preferably the high-dose or adjuvanted version specifically designed for seniors, as indicated in the 1 and 1 studies. The pneumococcal vaccines are essential, with both Prevnar 20 (PCV20) or a combination of Prevnar 13 (PCV13) followed by Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23) one year later being recommended options, according to the 1 study. Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) or Td (tetanus, diphtheria) boosters should be given every 10 years, as stated in the 1 and 1 studies. The shingles vaccine Shingrix is strongly recommended as a two-dose series, with doses given 2-6 months apart, even if the person previously received the older Zostavax vaccine or had shingles, as indicated in the 1 and 1 studies. These vaccinations are particularly crucial for older adults because immune function naturally declines with age, making seniors more vulnerable to infections and their complications, as noted in the 1 study. Additionally, many of these diseases, such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and shingles, can be more severe and potentially life-threatening in older populations. Some key points to consider when administering these vaccines include:

• The importance of annual influenza vaccination, as emphasized in the 1 and 1 studies.
• The need for pneumococcal vaccination, with options including Prevnar 20 (PCV20) or a combination of Prevnar 13 (PCV13) followed by Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23), as stated in the 1 study.
• The recommendation for Tdap or Td boosters every 10 years, as indicated in the 1 and 1 studies.
• The strong recommendation for the shingles vaccine Shingrix, as noted in the 1 and 1 studies. Side effects from these vaccines are generally mild and temporary, while the protection they offer significantly outweighs any risks, as noted in the 1 study. It is essential to follow the latest recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination and boosters, as this can also significantly impact morbidity, mortality, and quality of life in older adults. Overall, prioritizing these vaccinations can substantially improve the health and well-being of 80-year-old individuals, reducing the risk of severe infections and their complications.

From the FDA Drug Label

Of these adults, 1,104 were aged 65 years and older [see Clinical Studies (14. 2)]. The recommended vaccinations for an 80-year-old individual are not directly stated in the provided drug label. However, it is mentioned that 1,104 adults aged 65 years and older received the vaccine, implying that the vaccine may be suitable for this age group.

• The vaccine was administered to adults aged 65 years and older in clinical studies.
• However, the label does not provide explicit recommendations for vaccinations in 80-year-old individuals. 2

From the Research

Recommended Vaccinations for an 80-year-old Individual

The following vaccinations are recommended for an 80-year-old individual:

• Influenza vaccine: Annual vaccination is recommended, with some countries preferring the use of Quadruvalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine with Adjuvant (aQIV) or High Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (QIV-HD) 3, 4
• Pneumococcal vaccine: A 20-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV20) is approved and recommended for people over 60 years of age, replacing the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) 5
• Herpes Zoster vaccine: A recombinant adjuvanted inactivated vaccine is recommended for all people over 60 years of age, with certain risk groups over 50 years of age also eligible 5, 6, 7
• RSV vaccine: Two safe and effective RSV vaccines were approved in 2023, with one approved for individuals aged 60 years and older, and the other also approved for pregnant women to elicit maternal immunity for passive protection of the unborn child 5
• Pertussis vaccine: A booster vaccination every 10 years is recommended for risk groups, such as healthcare personnel and community facilities, with all adults recommended to get a pertussis booster with their next scheduled tetanus vaccination, given as a combination vaccine (Tdap) 5

Vaccination Rates and Recommendations

Vaccination rates are known to be low in certain populations, such as patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) 7. However, vaccination rates are significantly higher in patients ≥60 years old, with factors such as female sex, glucocorticoid use, and influenza vaccination also associated with higher vaccination rates 7.

Age-Specific Recommendations

For individuals aged 75 years and older, RSV vaccination is currently recommended in Germany, as well as for people aged 60-74 years with severe underlying conditions 5. The UK Advisory Committee (JCVI) recommends the use of Quadruvalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine with Adjuvant (aQIV) or High Dose Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine (QIV-HD) for individuals over 65 years of age 3.