Shared by Jay Pomerantz, MD - Penn's Village Advisory Council
Recent discussions in the medical community have highlighted the importance of maintaining strong, evidence-based public health systems and clear communication about vaccines and disease prevention.
A recent article summarizing an editorial from The Lancet, one of the world’s leading medical journals, discusses concerns raised by physicians and researchers about recent changes in federal health leadership and policy. You can read the summary here:
https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/03/medical-journal-the-lancet-blasts-rfk-jr-s-health-work-as-a-failure/
Regardless of policy debates, one point remains widely agreed upon across the global medical community: vaccines are one of the safest and most effective tools for preventing disease.
For older adults, staying up to date on recommended vaccines is an important part of preventive health. These may include:
- Influenza vaccine (annually)
- COVID-19 vaccine (updated boosters as recommended)
- RSV vaccine (recommended for many adults over 60, particularly 75+)
- Shingles vaccine (Shingrix) for adults 50+
- Pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia
- Tetanus/pertussis booster (Tdap or Td) every 10 years
If you’re unsure which vaccines are recommended for you, your primary care provider or pharmacist can help review your vaccination history. Pharmacies, clinics, and healthcare providers throughout our community offer these vaccines.
Staying informed and up to date helps protect both individual health and the wellbeing of our community.
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