While there is still some uncertainty and confusion about national policy regarding vaccines in general and this year’s COVID vaccine booster in particular, there is also some clarity, along with new research, about vaccines generally and vaccines targeting specific viral infections in particular. All told, the scientific information now available suggests that older adults can benefit from an array of available vaccines, and should make sure they are up-to-date, specifically with the flu, COVID-19, RSV, and shingles vaccines.

First, let’s review the state of affairs regarding this Fall’s COVID-19 booster. COVID continues to spread and be a threat, especially to older adults or those with underlying weakened immune systems. Given that protection from vaccines fades faster the older you are, and the risk of COVID complications increases among older adults, you are advised to get a COVID booster now, or as soon as possible. While it doesn’t appear that the current circulating strain of COVID is causing more severe disease than previous strains, getting a new booster will still reduce your risk of hospitalization or even death from COVID. In fact, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that even if you already have immunity from a previous booster or prior exposure to COVID-19, the newer vaccines can still provide additional protection against severe disease and death in all age groups. Regarding access to the shot, it appears that at least the major national pharmacy chains are now making the COVID booster available to adults 65 and older without the need for prescriptions, allowing pharmacists to engage in the clinical decision-making conversations the government may require, and not asking for proof from those under 65 who request the booster due to underlying health conditions. It also appears that most, if not all, insurance plans are covering the COVID booster this fall. And one final, and quite extraordinary new finding about the COVID vaccine: a new study reports that the mRNA COVID booster may be able to boost the benefits of immunotherapy for cancer patients, with data showing that those patients who receive the COVID shot before immunotherapy drugs live significantly longer. While this research needs to be validated, it may be another important benefit that could potentially extend the lives of many with advanced cancers.

What about the flu? There are reports that the currently circulating strains of the flu are similar to the strains that caused severe illness last flu season, which had the highest rate of flu-associated hospitalizations in 14 years. While it’s unusual to have 2 serious flu seasons back-to-back, it’s still early in this year’s flu season (which really begins to pick up in November) and we are lacking the data we typically have due to terminated staff at the CDC. Nonetheless, if you haven’t yet been vaccinated for the flu, now is absolutely the time to do so, though any time going forward is better than no vaccination. Unlike the confusion about the COVID vaccine, the flu vaccine is widely available. Getting vaccinated against the flu will cut in half the risk that you will need to see a doctor this flu season. And if by chance you’re worried about how you can prepare for the flu shot or lower your risk of side effects, fill a glass of water and read about food and drink strategies here. And click here to get a good, comprehensive review of the value of flu shots for older adults.

Regarding RSV, which typically can cause mild, cold-like symptoms but can progress to a dangerous pneumonia in older adults, and causes 110,000-180,000 hospitalizations per year, if you’ve already gotten the shot previously, you should know that the protection against RSV should last at least 2 years. A new study published in JAMA confirmed that the RSV vaccine (there are 3 different versions available) will protect adults aged 60 and older from hospitalization associated with RSV for at least two seasons of RSV. The RSV vaccine is considered safe with few side effects found.

Finally, have you gotten the vaccine for shingles yet? As we’ve previously reported, the Shingrex two-dose vaccine against shingles is highly effective, with a 90% rate of preventing shingles infections and related complications. Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs should cover the complete cost, and adults over 50 are advised to get this vaccine. But perhaps you’ll find a new report even more convincing to roll up your sleeve. A new study reports that the Shingrix vaccine also seems to protect against heart disease, dementia, and death, lowering the risk of dementia caused by blood flow problems (vascular dementia) by up to 50%. The shingles vaccine seems to calm the inflammation process causing such dementia, and the benefit can last for many years. This is in line with mounting evidence more broadly that all of these vaccines not only protect against viral infection for the specific condition for which they are intended, but may lower rates of dementia more broadly. While the studies supporting this hypothesis are observational and need to be validated, they do suggest that when you get yourself vaccinated against these seasonal viruses, you’ll be benefiting your body- and maybe your brain- in the process.