Did you know that recent research has found that having older adult vaccinations for diseases like shingles, influenza, whooping cough and pneumonia can reduce the risk of developing conditions like cancer, dementia, stroke and heart attack?
Australian Centre for Disease Control has released new vaccination updates for older adults. These recommendations will help you with staying healthy and keeping the community safe.
RSV Vaccine for 75+
As of 12th May 2026, Australia Immunisation Handbook recommends for all adults aged 75 and up to receive RSV vaccine.
Respiratory synctyial virus (RSV) isn’t just a childhood illness. It can also affect older adults like pneumonia, hospitalisation, and worsening or existing heart or lung conditions.
This vaccine can be administered at any time of the year but, where possible, should be offered before the start of RSV season. The season typically occurs from April to September.
Recommended for:
- Aged 75 and older
- Aged 60 years and over and are Aboriginal
- Aged 60 to 74 years and
- living in a residential aged care home
- receiving Commonwealth Support at Home*
- living in specialist disability accommondation (SDA)**
- in a residential mental health service
- experiencing homelessness
- in a correctional facility
- Aged 50 to 59 years in one of the above settings and
- are Aboriginal
- or have a risk factor for severe RSV disease
*Excludes person on Support at Home waitlist and those on Commonwealth Home Support Package (CHSP)
**Excludes persons on SDA waitlist or receiving supported independent living (SIL)
[Source: Health WA]
Protection lasts for at least 2 years. At this stage, there are no recommendations on revaccination. So if you’ve been vaccinated, there is no need to get RSV vaccine again.
The best next step is a conversation with a doctor to confirm eligibility and timing.
Pneumonia Vaccine for 65+
AS of 22nd June 2026, it is recommended for 65+ years to receive pneumococcal vaccine.
Pneumonia remains one of the most serious infections older adults can face. It is also one of the most preventable. For anyone turning 65, the pneumococcal vaccine is a key part of staying protected as the immune system naturally changes with age.
Recommended for:
- Adults 65 and older who have never been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease
- Adults with chronic conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
- Smokers and adults with weakened immune systems
- Anyone unsure of their vaccination history
Adults who have previously received a dose of pneumococcal vaccine (including 23vPPV (23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine), 13vPCV, 15vPCV or 20vPCV) are recommended to receive their dose of 21vPCV at least 12 months after their last dose. Infographic here.
Having the pneumonia vaccine, it can help prevent severe infections such as sepsis, meningitis and of course pneumonia.
If you’re unsure, it is highly recommended to speak to a doctor to confirm eligibility and timing.
Source: Immunisation Handbook