Flu, COVID, RSV, & Shingles Vaccines in Older Adults: Ken Schmader and Sharon Brangman

Just in time for respiratory virus season, this episode of the podcast breaks down essential vaccine guidance for older adults. From flu, COVID-19, and RSV to an added bonus deep dive into shingles, we cover everything you need to know to protect older adults this season.

Our expert guests include:

• Kenneth Schmader, MD: A geriatrician and vaccine researcher who helped develop the zoster vaccine. Ken serves on the Working Groups for the Herpes Zoster, Influenza, COVID-19, RSV and General Adult Immunization Guidelines for the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

• Sharon Brangman, MD: a geriatrician extraordinaire whom we've had in the past for her work in Alzheimer's, and whom we've now asked to talk about her work with the AGS Older Adults Vaccine Initiative.

We covered a lot of topics, including:

• Who needs which vaccine at what age: Clear guidelines for COVID-19, RSV, flu, and shingles vaccines.

• Optimal seasonal timing: What the optimal timing during the year to receive the schedule their shots?

• Vaccine selection: How to choose between options, including standard-dose, high-dose, and new mRNA flu vaccines?

• Does the shingles vaccine really prevent dementia?

Listen now and explore the links below for more resources.

Eric

Resources:

• AGS Vaccine Initiative Website.  They have a variety of resources including:

• Get the Basics: Essential Vaccines for Older Adults

• Learn More: What You Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults (Age 65+)

• Ask The Expert: The Flu Vaccine

• Learn More: What You Need to Know About the Shingles Vaccine

• Get the Basics: RSV Vaccines for Older Adults (60+)

• CDC Adult Immunization Schedule

• The Nature study we discussed on the effect of herpes zoster vaccination on dementia