Influenza: Polio survivors, especially those with respiratory insufficiency, are advised to receive an annual influenza (flu) vaccination according to the United States Public Health Service guidelines and recommendations. In addition, starting with the COVID-19 pandemic, periodic COVID vaccines are recommended (frequency likely to change as knowledge about COVID evolves).
Pneumococcal: Those with respiratory insufficiency should also receive the pneumococcal vaccine to prevent pneumonia. As of 2023, one or two doses of various pneumococcal vaccines (pneumococcal conjugate vaccines [PCV13, PCV15, PCV20] or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine [PPSV23]) is recommended. The CDC recommends PCV15 or PCV20 for adults 65 and older and for adults 19-64 years old with certain medical conditions or risk factors. If PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) is used, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23).
Shingles: Per the CDC: The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is given to protect against shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. Shingrix is recommended for adults 50 years and older, as well as those 19 years and older who have a weakened immune response. Shingrix is recommended even if you have had shingles, received Zostavax, or received the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. Shingrix should not be given if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine, if you currently have shingles, or if you are pregnant.
RSV: Per the CDC, the RSV vaccine became available in 2023 for adults 60 years and older, using shared clinical decision-making with your healthcare provider. (To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, either the mother should receive the RSV vaccine during weeks 32-36 of pregnancy immediately before or during the RSV season or the infant should receive the RSV monoclonal antibody.)