During an annual wellness visit for a 65-year-old, which vaccines are recommended?

The recommended vaccines for a 65-year-old during an annual wellness visit include the pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumovax) and the influenza vaccine. This age group is at higher risk for complications from both pneumonia and influenza, making these vaccinations essential for preventing serious illness.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against pneumonia and other serious infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. This is particularly important for older adults, as they are more susceptible to these infections due to a natural decline in immune function with age. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that older adults receive both the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) to provide comprehensive protection against pneumococcal disease.

The influenza vaccine is recommended annually for everyone, especially for older adults, due to their increased risk of influenza-related complications. Vaccination helps reduce the incidence of the flu, resulting in fewer hospitalizations and deaths among seniors.

While the influenza vaccine is included in other answer choices, the combination of the pneumococcal and influenza vaccines best addresses the health needs of a 65-year-old, making it the appropriate recommendation during an annual