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Older Adults

Vaccination for Older Adults

Maine offers several options for older adults to get vaccinated:

  • Health Care Providers: Adult vaccines may be available through primary care providers, specialists, and local health clinics.
  • Pharmacies: Many pharmacies offer walk-in vaccinations for older adults.
  • Maine Immunization Program's Adult Vaccine Program: This program provides vaccines at low or no cost for eligible adults who are uninsured or underinsured. View a list of providers enrolled in this program.

Maine Vaccine Program: Vaccines for Older Adults

As we get older, staying up to date on vaccinations is an essential part of maintaining good health. Vaccines help protect older adults from serious illnesses that can lead to complications, hospitalizations, or even death. The Maine Immunization Program is here to provide resources and information about the vaccines recommended for older adults.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Most vaccines for older adults are covered by Medicare and private insurance plans. The Maine Immunization Program also offers resources to help those without insurance access vaccines. This program provides a limited amount of adult vaccine at no cost to interested providers who have a patient population that is either uninsured or underinsured and 19 years or older.

Why Vaccines Are Important for Older Adults

Older adults are at greater risk for certain illnesses due to a weakened immune system that naturally occurs with age. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to:

  • Prevent serious diseases
  • Reduce the risk of complications.
  • Protect loved ones, especially grandchildren, from vaccine preventable diseases.

Recommended Vaccines for Older Adults

Here are the key vaccines recommended for individuals aged 65 years and older:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

All adults should get a seasonal flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions.

COVID-19 Vaccine

U.S. CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. People 65 years and older should receive 2 doses of any 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, spaced 6 months apart.

Pneumococcal Vaccine

U.S. CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults who never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and are age 50 or older.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine

Adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and complications from the disease.

Td or Tdap Vaccine

Every adult should get the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine once, if they did not receive it as an adolescent, to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

Adults aged 60 through 74 years at increased risk of severe RSV and all adults aged 75 years or older should get a single dose of RSV vaccine.

Where can I find more information?

Visit the U.S. CDC's web page to learn more about vaccines for adults or contact the Maine Immunization Program directly.

Contact Us

For questions or assistance, reach out to the Maine CDC Immunization Program: