Which general health maintenance recommendation is correct for elderly patients?

• A. Pneumococcal vaccine annually
• B. Influenza vaccine annually each fall
• C. Tetanus vaccine once after the age of 65
• D. Hepatitis B vaccine on admission to a nursing home

Answer: (B)

Annual influenza vaccination is the best general health maintenance for older adults. Influenza can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and death in the elderly, so protecting this group with a yearly vaccine is crucial. The vaccine is updated every year to match circulating strains, and getting it each fall helps reduce flu-related complications. While pneumococcal vaccines are important for older adults, they are not given annually—there’s a recommended sequence and timing for PCV and PPSV vaccines. Tetanus boosters are needed every 10 years (and a Tdap dose if not previously given as an adult), not just once after age 65. Hepatitis B vaccination is reserved for individuals with specific risk factors, not a universal requirement on nursing home admission.