Immunisation for seniors: What you need to know

What is immunisation?

Immunisation is a safe and effective way of protecting people against dangerous (and sometimes deadly) infections before they are exposed to them. By making your body’s natural defences stronger, immunisation helps you to quickly fight against certain bacteria and viruses. Immunisation not only protects you, but also your family and the community as a whole.¹

Immunisation is just as important for seniors as it is for anyone else. The vaccines you should have will depend on certain personal factors, such as:²

• Whether you had all of your childhood vaccines;
• Your age;
• If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (ATSI);
• Your occupation (if relevant);
• Whether you plan on travelling;
• If you are in contact with infants.

Recommended immunisations for seniors

The following vaccines are recommended to seniors who are 65 years and above:²

• Flu (influenza)
  The flu is a very contagious virus that causes respiratory infection; it is especially dangerous for those aged above 65 years. Each year the flu virus strains change; subsequently, the vaccine is adapted accordingly. This is why it is vital for people to have the vaccine every year.
• Pneumococcal disease
  Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can result in pneumonia, infection of the blood (sepsis), and even inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis). Similar to the flu, it is especially dangerous for seniors.
• Shingles (herpes zoster)
  Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates. It can result in severe pain that can last for a long period of time, sometimes for months.

Booster vaccines for seniors

A booster vaccine is an extra dose of a vaccine that you have had previously. Essentially, it ‘boosts’ your immune system. The following boosters are recommended under certain conditions:²

• Tetanus
  Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a specific toxin-producing bacterium. It can result in severe muscle spasms and can sometimes cause death. A booster dose of tetanus is recommended for seniors:²
  • Aged 50 years and above who have not received a tetanus vaccine in the past 10 years;
  • Those who have ‘tetanus-prone’ wounds (any wounds that are not clean) if your most recent dose was more than 5 years ago.
• hooping cough (pertussis)
  Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that can result in pneumonia, brain injury and sometimes death. It is a disease that is especially serious for babies; however, it can affect anyone. A booster dose of a whooping cough vaccine is recommended for seniors (who haven’t been vaccinated in the previous 10 years) if:²
  • You are 65 years or above;
  • You are in close contact with infants.

What can you get for free through the National Immunisation Program Schedule?³

Vaccine	Protects Against	Coverage Conditions
Influenza	Some strains of the Influenza virus	Non-ATSI seniors ≥ 65 years; ATSI aged ≥ 15 years.
Pneumococcal	Pneumococcal disease	Non-ATSI seniors ≥ 65 years; ATSI seniors ≥ 50.
Herpes Zoster	Shingles	Seniors ≥ 70.

Under certain conditions, catch-up vaccines and boosters will be covered. It is recommended that you speak with your GP to determine if this applies to you.

State and territory health departments may also fund additional vaccines. Find out about the immunisation schedule for your state/territory:

• NSW
• VIC
• QLD
• WA (adult; childhood)
• SA
• TAS (adult and childhood; ATSI; influenza)
• NT (childhood; adults and special groups)
• ACT

Visiting your doctor

Your GP will be able to help you determine your specific immunisation needs. Your GP might also recommend that you have certain vaccines before the covered ages in the National program.⁴

References

Australian Government Department of Health (online). Immunisation: Getting started [accessed 22 Jan 2019]. Available from: URL link
Australian Government Department of Health (online). Immunisation for seniors [accessed 22 Jan 2019]. Available from: URL link
Australian Government Department of Health (online). National Immunisation Program Schedule [accessed 22 Jan 2019]. Available from: URL link
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice. 9th edn, updated. East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, 2018.