Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV, PPSV)
- Adults ≥65 years old should get pneumococcal vaccination, even if healthy.
- Two main options:
- PCV20 (Prevnar 20): a single dose, no further pneumococcal shots needed.
- PCV15 (Prevnar 15): followed by PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) at least 1 year later (sometimes 8 weeks later if higher risk).
- If you already had PPSV23 before turning 65, another dose may be recommended at or after 65, spaced at least 5 years apart.
Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY, MenB)
- Not routine for healthy adults ≥60.
- Recommended only if you have specific risks, such as:
- Asplenia (no spleen) or certain immune conditions
- Living in or traveling to areas with high meningitis risk (e.g., sub-Saharan Africa’s meningitis belt, Hajj pilgrimage)
- Outbreak situations or lab exposure
- If needed:
- MenACWY: single dose, with boosters every 5 years if risk continues.
- MenB: 2- or 3-dose series, depending on brand, again only if risk factors apply.
