Immunisations For Older People

Overview

Immunisations, also called vaccinations or jabs, are medicines that teach your body's immune system how to fight off a serious infection before you ever meet it. As we get older, our immune system slows down, and infections that were once a minor nuisance can make us much sicker. Staying up to date with your recommended jabs is one of the simplest and safest ways to protect yourself.

Yes. Vaccination in later life is completely routine. Most people aged 65 and over, along with many younger adults who have long-term health conditions, are invited for one or more jabs each year.

Mainly people aged 65 and over. Some vaccines are also offered to adults with certain long-term conditions, people living in care homes, unpaid carers, and people who live with someone whose immune system is weak.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A sore, heavy or slightly swollen arm for a day or two after the injection
• Feeling tired, achy or a bit off colour for 24 to 48 hours
• A mild fever or headache that settles by itself
• Redness, warmth or a small lump where the needle went in

Causes

Main causes

• Vaccines work by showing your immune system a harmless part of a germ, or a weakened version of it, so your body can practise defending itself.
• Ageing gradually weakens the immune system. Doctors call this immune ageing. It means the body takes longer to fight infections and holds on to its memory of them less well.
• This is why some jabs need repeating. Protection can fade over time, and some viruses such as flu and COVID-19 change shape, so the vaccine is updated.

Risk factors

• Being 65 or older
• Long-term conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, liver disease or diabetes
• A weakened immune system, for example from certain medicines or treatments
• Living in a care home or other shared living setting
• Being an unpaid carer, or living with someone who is vulnerable
• Smoking
• Being pregnant, as some jabs are recommended in pregnancy too

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any sign of a severe allergic reaction, which needs an emergency call rather than a GP appointment
• A fever or infection-like illness that is getting worse rather than better
• A spreading, hot or very painful redness around the injection site
• Sudden confusion, severe headache or a stiff neck

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have been invited for a jab and want to check whether it is right for you
• You are not sure which vaccines you have already had
• You are about to start a treatment that weakens your immune system
• You are planning to travel and want advice on any extra vaccines
• You have a long-term condition and want to know if you are eligible
• You had a reaction to a previous jab and want to discuss future ones

Diagnosis

There is no test that diagnoses a need for vaccination. Instead, your GP practice compares your age, health and vaccination history with the national schedule. In many places you will be invited automatically by letter, text or phone call. You can also ring the practice or ask at a pharmacy to find out what you are due.

Tests that may be done

• A review of your medical records and past vaccinations
• A short conversation about your health, any allergies and any reactions you have had before
• A check of any medicines you take that affect your immune system
• Occasionally a blood test, if your doctor wants to check your immunity to a particular infection

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment is usually quick, often just a few minutes with a nurse or pharmacist. You will be asked a few questions, given the injection into your upper arm, and then asked to wait around for 10 to 15 minutes afterwards in case you feel unwell. Most people can drive home and carry on with their day as normal.

Treatment

The vaccine itself is the treatment. It is given as a quick injection, usually into the upper arm. Some jabs are a one-off, some are yearly (such as flu and COVID-19), and a few need more than one dose to build up full protection. Your nurse or pharmacist will explain what to expect and when your next one is due.

Self-care at home

• Rest if you feel tired, and drink plenty of fluids
• Keep your arm moving gently, as light use often eases soreness
• A cool, damp cloth over a sore arm can feel soothing
• Ask your pharmacist what is safe for you to take if your arm aches or you have a mild fever
• Do not rub or scratch the injection site, and keep it clean
• Note the date and name of the vaccine so your records stay accurate

Medical treatments

Treatment in this topic means the vaccines themselves. If you have a mild reaction, your pharmacist or GP can suggest simple ways to ease it. If you ever have a more serious reaction, they will record it, advise you on which future jabs are safe, and refer you to a specialist clinic if needed. Staff who give vaccines are trained to recognise and treat severe allergic reactions immediately.

Living with this condition

Once you are up to date, keep a simple record, such as a note in your diary, a line in your phone, or a photo of your vaccination card. Watch for invitations each autumn and book early, as appointment slots fill up. If you move home or change GP, take your record with you, and always tell the nurse about any new health conditions or medicines before each jab.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active, as even a daily walk supports your immune system and helps recovery
• Eat regularly and include plenty of fruit, vegetables and protein
• Get enough sleep, because rest is when your body repairs itself
• Do not smoke, and keep alcohol within sensible limits
• Keep long-term conditions well managed and attend your routine reviews
• Wash your hands regularly and stay home if you are unwell

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet needed before or after a jab. A normal, balanced diet and gentle activity are enough. If you feel tired or feverish afterwards, take it easy for a day, drink plenty of water, and return to your usual routine when you feel ready.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Some people feel anxious about needles, or worried by things they have read online. Others feel low because illness or isolation has left them cut off. These feelings are common and worth mentioning. A GP, nurse or pharmacist can talk things through calmly, and you can bring a friend or family member with you for support. If you ever feel very low or hopeless, or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line in your country straight away. Help is available at any hour, and you do not have to cope alone.

Prevention

Yes. Vaccination is itself a form of prevention. Keeping up to date greatly lowers your risk of serious illness, hospital stays and long-term complications. Good hand hygiene, letting fresh air into rooms, and staying away from others when you are unwell also help.

Vaccines

Most countries offer older adults protection against flu (usually every autumn), COVID-19 (boosters for those eligible), pneumococcal disease (a one-off, sometimes with a later booster), shingles (usually a course of two doses), RSV (for people in the eligible age group), and boosters for tetanus, diphtheria and polio. Rules vary between countries and change from year to year, so check with your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist to see exactly what you are due.

Screening programmes

Screening here simply means checking your records. Your GP practice can look up which vaccines you have had and which you are now due, so you never have to rely on memory alone.

Complications

If left untreated

• Flu and COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, hospital treatment and, in some cases, heart problems or stroke
• Pneumococcal infection can cause severe pneumonia, blood infection or infection around the brain
• Shingles can leave long-lasting nerve pain that makes everyday life difficult
• RSV can cause serious chest infections and breathing trouble in older adults
• Tetanus, diphtheria and polio are now rare but can be life-threatening if you catch them
• Being unwell also means you may pass the infection on to family, friends and carers

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good. No vaccine is perfect, but they make serious illness much less likely, and if you do catch an infection you are far more likely to have a milder illness. Keeping up with your jabs, and with your general health reviews, is a positive step you can take at any age. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about what is right for you.

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