Which Vaccines Do Adults Over 65 Need in Central Florida? (2026 CDC Guide)

Quick Answer: Adults over 65 are generally advised to stay current on six vaccines: annual flu, an updated COVID-19 vaccine, a one-time pneumococcal vaccine, the two-dose Shingrix shingles vaccine, an RSV vaccine, and a Td/Tdap booster every 10 years, according to the CDC's Adult Immunization Schedule. Not every vaccine fits every person, so this guide explains what each one does so you can talk through your own schedule with your doctor or pharmacist.

Orlando and Altamonte Springs seniors have easy access to vaccines at local pharmacies, senior centers, and health systems like AdventHealth and Orlando Health, but it's easy to lose track of which shots you've had and when the next one is due. This article walks through each recommended vaccine in plain language.

Why Do Vaccines Matter More After 65?

Yes, aging changes how the immune system responds to infection, making routine vaccination more important, not less. The National Institute on Aging explains that immune function naturally declines with age — a process called immunosenescence — which is why older adults often need higher-dose or additional vaccines compared with younger adults.

This matters in Central Florida specifically because flu and respiratory virus season often overlaps with hurricane season disruptions and indoor gatherings during the hottest summer months, when people spend more time indoors with air conditioning running and viruses circulate more easily among groups at senior centers, churches, and family gatherings.

How Often Should Seniors Get a Flu Shot?

A flu vaccine is recommended every single year for adults 65 and older, ideally by the end of October, according to the CDC. The CDC notes that higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines are preferentially recommended for people 65 and up because they produce a stronger immune response in older adults than standard-dose flu shots.

Flu viruses change from year to year, which is why last year's shot doesn't protect against this year's strain. Ask your pharmacist or doctor specifically about the higher-dose option made for your age group, since not every flu vaccine on the shelf is the same formulation.

Do I Need a COVID-19 Vaccine Every Year?

Yes, the CDC recommends that adults stay current with an updated COVID-19 vaccine, and adults 65 and older may be eligible for an additional dose at least six months after their last one. COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are updated periodically as the virus changes, so the best approach is to confirm the current recommendation with your doctor or pharmacist each fall.

Older adults remain at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness and hospitalization than younger adults, which is part of why ongoing vaccination is recommended specifically for this age group. If you manage a chronic condition such as diabetes, staying current on respiratory vaccines is one piece of the broader care plan discussed in managing type 2 diabetes in retirement.

What Is the Pneumococcal Vaccine and Who Needs It?

A pneumococcal vaccine protects against pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. The CDC recommends that all adults 65 and older who haven't previously been vaccinated receive one dose of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 or PCV20).

If you received an older pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV23) earlier in life, you may still need a newer dose — this is one of the more confusing parts of the adult schedule, so bring your vaccine records to your next appointment and let your doctor sort out the timing.

How Does the Shingles Vaccine Work, and Who Should Get It?

Shingrix, a two-dose vaccine given two to six months apart, is recommended for all adults 50 and older, including those who already had shingles or received the older shingles vaccine. The CDC reports that Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and its most painful complication, long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia.

Shingles comes from the same virus that causes chickenpox, which stays dormant in the body for decades and can reactivate as people age and their immune defenses weaken. Because the rash and nerve pain can be severe, this is one of the vaccines doctors most often recommend catching up on if you're not sure you've had it.

Should Seniors Get the RSV Vaccine?

Yes, the CDC recommends RSV vaccination for all adults 75 and older, and for adults 60 to 74 who have certain chronic health conditions or live in long-term care settings that raise their risk of severe illness. RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus, can cause serious lung infections in older adults, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

RSV vaccines are newer than flu or COVID-19 vaccines, so recommendations have been refined since they were first introduced. Your doctor can confirm whether your age and health history currently meet the CDC's criteria for RSV vaccination.

What About Tdap and Tetanus Boosters?

A Td or Tdap booster is recommended every 10 years for all adults, and the CDC advises that anyone who has never received a Tdap dose as an adult get one, which also protects against whooping cough (pertussis). Gardening, yard work, and home repairs — common activities for Central Florida homeowners — carry a real risk of cuts and puncture wounds that make tetanus protection worth keeping current.

If you're caring for a new grandchild, a Tdap booster is also commonly recommended to reduce the risk of passing whooping cough to an infant too young to be fully vaccinated.

2026 CDC Adult Vaccine Schedule at a Glance

This table reflects the CDC's Adult Immunization Schedule; your own plan may differ based on prior vaccines, allergies, and chronic conditions, so use it as a conversation starter rather than a prescription.

Keeping a written or photo record of your vaccines is especially helpful if you see multiple providers across the Orlando area, including a primary care doctor, a specialist, and a pharmacy. This kind of record-keeping pairs well with the medication tracking habits described in preventing dangerous drug interactions after 65, since your pharmacist needs a full picture of both your medications and your vaccine history to advise you safely.

Medicare.gov confirms that flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal, and other ACIP-recommended vaccines are covered preventive services, which is worth noting as a simple fact — any questions about your own coverage details are best directed to your plan documents, not this article.

For homebound seniors or those recovering from illness, some pharmacies and home health programs in the Orlando and Altamonte Springs area offer in-home vaccination visits. This fits into the broader planning discussed in the aging in place home safety toolkit, which covers how to coordinate care when getting to appointments becomes harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit? Yes, the CDC states it is generally safe to receive a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine during the same appointment, often in different arms. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to confirm this is appropriate for your specific health situation.

What if I don't remember which vaccines I've already had? Bring any vaccine cards, ask your pharmacy to pull up your records, or request your immunization history from your doctor's office. Florida's statewide immunization registry can also help primary care providers confirm past doses.

Are these vaccines safe for someone with diabetes or heart disease? Most adults with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease are still encouraged to get these vaccines, since these conditions can raise the risk of severe complications from flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia. Always confirm timing and any precautions with your own doctor.

Where can I get vaccinated in the Orlando or Altamonte Springs area? Many local pharmacies, primary care offices, and health systems such as AdventHealth and Orlando Health offer walk-in or scheduled vaccinations. Senior centers in Seminole and Orange County sometimes host seasonal flu clinics as well.

Your Next Steps

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist which of the six CDC-recommended vaccines you're missing
• Bring any vaccine cards or records to your next appointment
• Schedule your annual flu shot before the end of October
• Ask specifically about the higher-dose flu vaccine made for adults 65 and older
• If you haven't had Shingrix, ask whether you're due for the two-dose series

Sources

• CDC, "Adult Immunization Schedule by Age" (accessed October 2026)
• CDC, "Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccination" (accessed October 2026)
• CDC, "RSV Vaccination" (accessed October 2026)
• Medicare.gov, "Vaccines" (accessed October 2026)

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This article is for general education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with your doctor or another qualified health professional about your own health, medications, and care decisions. Never delay seeking care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.