Which vaccine is recommended for adults over 65 years of age and is administered every 10 years?

The vaccine that is recommended for adults over 65 years of age and administered every 10 years is the Tetanus diphtheria toxoids with acellular pertussis vaccine, commonly known as Tdap or Td. The Td vaccine, which protects against tetanus and diphtheria, is specifically recommended for older adults to maintain immunity against these diseases.

Tetanus can lead to severe muscle spasms and respiratory issues, while diphtheria can cause serious throat infections and can be life-threatening, especially in older populations. The recommendation for a booster dose every 10 years helps ensure continued immunity in adults, particularly as the risk for tetanus increases with age and potential exposure through injuries.

While Zostavax is a vaccine for shingles recommended for older adults, it does not require a booster every 10 years. The Pneumococcal vaccine is indeed recommended for older adults as well, but it follows different guidelines with certain vaccines administered only once or with different intervals. Hepatitis B vaccination schedules vary significantly and are typically based on risk factors rather than age alone, and it is not given every 10 years.