Which vaccine is administered at age 65?

The pneumococcal vaccine is administered at age 65 as part of the recommended immunization schedule for older adults. This vaccine protects against pneumococcal diseases, which can cause severe illness, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. The immune system tends to weaken with age, making older adults more susceptible to these infections.

The pneumococcal vaccine is particularly important for this age group, as pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae can lead to serious complications. Ensuring immunization helps reduce the risk of these conditions and promotes better overall health among seniors.

In contrast, while the diphtheria and tetanus booster is important for maintaining immunity against those diseases, it is typically administered at different intervals and not specifically scheduled at age 65. The human papillomavirus vaccine is generally recommended for younger individuals, usually up to age 26, and the influenza vaccine, although recommended annually for various age groups, is not specifically tied to the age of 65 as a standalone vaccine. Therefore, the pneumococcal vaccine aligns best with the immunization guidelines for individuals at age 65.