Information for Adults 65 Years and Older
COVID-19 Guidance andResources
For information on ways to protectadults 65 years and older during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19Information for Older Adults.
Table ofContents
- Why Are Immunizations Important for Adults 65 Years and Older?
- Protect Yourself Against Vaccine-Preventable Disease
- How to Pay forYour Vaccines
- Stay on Schedule with Your Immunizationsby Registering in ImmTrac2
- Resources
- Adults 65 Years and Older Publications
Why Are Immunizations Important for Adults 65 Years and Older?
Similarto infants, adolescents, and young adults, adults 65 years and older are alsoat risk for contracting vaccine-preventable diseases. As we get older,our immune systems tend to weaken over time, putting us at higher risk forinfectious diseases and severe complications from illness.
Additionally, we aremore likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, such as heart disease ordiabetes, which make us more vulnerable to infectious diseases and possiblehealth complications as a result. Getting the recommended immunizations isessential to protecting the wellbeing of adults 65 years and older.
To view the most current adult vaccination recommendations, pleasesee the CDC’s Easy-to-ReadImmunization Schedule for Adults
- Which vaccines doI need?
Answer a few quick questions to find out which vaccines arerecommended for you.
Protect YourselfWhile Protecting Others
Youare not just protecting yourself when you choose to get vaccinated, but you arealso protecting your loved ones and fellow community members. In addition tobecoming severely ill and risking complications from vaccine preventablediseases, infected adults risk spreading the diseases to others, such asindividuals with weakened immune systems and infants who are too young to bevaccinated. It is vital for adults 65 years and older to keep up to date onvaccinations to prevent infection with VPDs.
For more information on recommendationsfor your specific immunization needs, reach out and speak with your healthcareprovider.
Footnotes: 1. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adults/rec-vac/index.html
How to Pay for Your Vaccines
Uninsured Patients
If you do not have health insurance, you areeligible to receive adult vaccines at little or no cost as part of the AdultSafety Net (ASN) Program
Medicare Patients
- Part B will cover influenza (flu), pneumococcal (PPSV13& PCV13), hepatitis B vaccines and vaccines related to treatment orexposure of a disease, such as rabies or tetanus.
- Part D & Advantage Plan Part C may cover the cost of somevaccines.
Other Options
Medicaid may also cover some adultimmunizations.
For more information:
Stay onschedule with ImmTrac2
ImmTrac2is a free, secure online system from DSHS that consolidates and stores yourimmunization records. Talk to your provider or local health department abouthow to register in ImmTrac2
Resources
- Alliance for Aging Research (A helpful resource forolder adults seeking information on infectious disease prevention.)
- Adults with HealthConditions (Learn more about which vaccines youmay need if you have a chronic health condition.)
- CDC Vaccine Recommendations
- Flu & People 65 Years and Older
- Herpes Zoster (Shingles)Immunization
Adults 65Years and Older Publications
 | (Stock No. #11-14202) ASN Adult Brochure |
 | (Stock No. #11-12853P) Every Dose Matters Adult Vaccine Poster |
 | (Stock No. #11-13710P) Fight the Flu Poster |