Keeping older adults healthy is a top priority for families and communities across the country. While the flu season brings its usual concerns, new research suggests that getting the annual flu vaccine could also protect the brain.
Why the flu shot matters for seniors
Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an oncologist and professor of medical ethics at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasizes that routine vaccinations are a simple, evidence‑based way to extend the healthy years of life. “Cognitive decline is a serious worry, so getting the flu shot is one thing you can and should do,” he told TODAY.com.
Adults over age 50 are especially encouraged to stay up to date on their flu shots. The vaccine is the most effective tool we have to prevent severe flu illness, hospitalizations, and death. Each year, thousands of older Americans die from influenza complications.
Study shows a strong link to Alzheimer’s reduction
In a 2026 study published in the journal Neurology, researchers found that seniors who received the high‑dose flu vaccine experienced a 55% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in the years following vaccination. The study focused on adults over 65 and compared outcomes with those who did not receive the high‑dose formulation.
While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, scientists believe that preventing flu infections reduces inflammation and protects the brain from damage that can accelerate neurodegenerative processes.
Other vaccines that may help protect the brain
Dr. Emanuel also notes that three additional adult vaccines have been associated with reduced dementia risk: the shingles vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine, and the diphtheria‑pertussis‑tetanus (Tdap) vaccine. Together, these routine immunizations form a defensive shield for both physical and cognitive health.
Getting vaccinated
The 2026‑2027 flu vaccines are already being distributed at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, hospitals, and clinics nationwide. Options include the traditional egg‑based standard dose, the high‑dose formulation for seniors, cell‑based shots, and, for the first time, an mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older. The dementia‑risk findings apply to the standard, high‑dose, and cell‑based vaccines; the new mRNA version has not yet been studied for that benefit.
The best time to receive the flu shot is in late September or October, before flu activity peaks. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to reach full effectiveness, and protection typically lasts through the end of the flu season, roughly six months.
What families can do
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers should talk with their healthcare providers about which flu vaccine is right for them and ensure they are also up to date on the shingles, pneumococcal, and Tdap vaccines. Staying current on these shots is a straightforward way to protect both body and mind as we age.
For more information on vaccine options and scheduling, contact your local pharmacy or medical clinic.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
