flu shots: what’s new?

If you’re 65 or older, getting your annual flu shot is one of the most important things

you can do to protect yourself during flu season. But with new vaccines and changing recommendations, many older adults aren’t sure which shots they need.

The good news is that this fall’s advice for seniors is simple: Get an enhanced flu vaccine,

and use the opportunity to make sure you are up to date on other important vaccines, including RSV, pneumonia, shingles and, depending on your health situation, COVID-19.

Best flu shot for seniors

Influenza can be especially dangerous for older adults. As we age, our immune systems don’t respond as well to infection, which is why people 65 and older account for most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 65 and older receive one of three enhanced flu vaccines instead of a standard-dose shot: Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad or Flublok.

Each of these vaccines is designed differently, but all produce a stronger immune response in older adults. Studies have not shown that one works better than the others, so there’s no need to wait for a specific brand. The important thing is to get one of these enhanced vaccines when it’s available.

Also new for the 2026-27 flu season is Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA flu vaccine authorized in the United States. It is fully approved for adults ages 50 to 64 and has received accelerated approval for those 65 and older, pending additional study results. While mRNA technology could eventually allow flu vaccines to be updated more quickly to match circulating strains, adults 65 and older should continue to follow CDC recommendations and choose one of the three enhanced flu vaccines whenever possible.

The best time to get your flu shot is September or October, but it’s not too late if you miss that window. Even a flu shot in November or later can still provide valuable protection.

Medicare Part B covers one flu shot each flu season at no cost when it’s given by a Medicare-participating doctor, clinic or pharmacy.

Other vaccines

While you’re getting your flu shot, it’s also a good time to review your other vaccinations with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

The CDC recommends a one-time RSV vaccine for everyone age 75 and older, as well as adults ages 50 through 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. Medicare Part D covers RSV vaccines.

Adults age 50 and older who have not received a pneumococcal vaccine should also consider getting protected against serious forms of pneumonia. The preferred options are Prevnar 20 (PCV20) or Capvaxive (PCV21). Most people need only one dose, and Medicare Part B covers these vaccines.

If you have not received the Shingrix shingles vaccine, it is another important vaccine to consider. The two-dose vaccine is more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and the painful nerve problems that can follow. Medicare Part D covers both doses.

COVID-19 recommendations have become more individualized in recent years, but older adults remain at higher risk for serious illness. Talk with your healthcare provider about whether an updated COVID vaccine is appropriate for you. Medicare Part B covers COVID vaccines.

Vaccine timing

Flu, RSV, COVID-19 and other recommended vaccines can generally be given during the same visit. But if you’re concerned about temporary side effects such as fatigue, muscle aches or a sore arm, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about spacing them out. To find pharmacies and other providers offering vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov.