BY JAIA LENT
As a parent and grandparent, Bette Hoxie knows the value of vaccines. Reflecting back to her early years, Bette recalls:
I remember early in 1970 when there was an outbreak of German measles (Rubella) in the small community where I resided. Ironically, on this particular day, I was taking my two children to be vaccinated for MMR. Prior to leaving my home, I had begun to have a mild headache and an overall feeling of being unwell. I had learned just a few days prior to this that I was pregnant. By the time it was our turn for my children to be vaccinated for MMR, I was ill. I let the doctor know my symptoms and indicated that a teenage boy in our apartment building had Rubella. My kids were still able to get the vaccine, but not me.
Medical professionals warned me of the risks to my child. I was preparing myself for the worst. Ultimately, I was fortunate to have a full-term baby with no physical abnormalities. However, I learned a serious lesson about the benefits of immunizations. Pregnancy was a time of serious worry and perhaps among the longest months of my life! Since then, I have become a staunch advocate for immunizations against all proven diseases.
Fast forward 50 years. Now in her 70s, Bette has cared for more than 150 children throughout her years as a biological parent, foster parent, and, most recently, as a grandparent raising her grandson. Now she is thinking about the importance of vaccines in keeping her healthy in later stages of life. “I know that the older I get, the more vulnerable I become to illness,” she explains. “As a caregiver for my grandson, I can’t afford to be sick for extended periods of time, so vaccines like those for pneumonia and shingles are critically important to my health and the health of my family.”
As a grandparent raising her grandson and thinking about her health, Bette is not alone. More than 2 million grandparents across the U.S. today are responsible for their grandchildren. When grandparents step in to raise grandchildren, they take on one of life’s most meaningful—and demanding—roles. Along with love, stability, and wisdom, they also bring life experience that can help keep children safe and healthy. Yet most of these caregivers take on this role unexpectedly. Suddenly, their full priority is their grandchildren. Many grandparent caregivers report skipping doctor visits and neglecting their own health to concentrate on the children’s needs. They often live on fixed incomes and prioritize paying for formulas and diapers for the children over paying for their own medication.
“Vaccination isn’t just about individual protection—it’s about safeguarding the entire family circle.”
One of the most important ways to protect multigenerational households is by staying up to date on vaccinations. In homes where older adults and young children live together, immunizations protect both age groups, who are often more vulnerable to serious illnesses. Infants, young children, and older adults have immune systems that may not fight infections as effectively as healthy younger adults. Illnesses like pneumonia, flu, whooping cough, and shingles can spread quickly within a household.
Vaccines help reduce the risk of severe disease, prevent hospitalizations, protect vulnerable family members through community immunity, and minimize missed school and medical emergencies. When grandparents and grandchildren are both protected, the entire household benefits.
Here are some important vaccines for families in which grandparents are the primary caregivers for children.
As with other medical care, it is important to discuss your plans with your family doctor. People with chronic or special conditions may have variable needs.
Key Vaccines for Grandparents:
Pneumococcal (pneumonia) Vaccine: Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and meningitis. Older adults are at higher risk for complications. These vaccines protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Grandparents caring for young children should be especially mindful, as respiratory infections often circulate in households with kids.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine: Older adults are at higher risk of influenza-related hospitalization and complications. Children are also efficient spreaders of flu viruses. An annual flu shot significantly reduces the risk of several illnesses and helps prevent transmission between generations.
Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, can be life-threatening in infants. Even if grandparents were vaccinated years ago, immunity fades. Adults who have not received a Tdap booster should get one, especially if they are around infants.
Shingles Vaccine: Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. The risk increases with age and can lead to severe nerve pain. Preventing shingles helps grandparents avoid painful complications that can interfere with caregiving responsibilities.
COVID-19 Vaccine: COVID-19 can pose serious risks to older adults. Staying current with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Children can bring respiratory viruses home from school and activities, so keeping all eligible household members vaccinated provides added protection.
Vaccines for Children: Grandparents who are primary caregivers for children should ensure the children stay on schedule with their recommended immunizations. Keeping children up to date reduces the risk of introducing preventable diseases into the household.
An up-to-date list of recommended vaccines from the American Academy of Pediatrics is available here.
Vaccination isn’t just about individual protection—it’s about safeguarding the entire family circle. Grandparents who raise grandchildren provide immeasurable love and support. Staying up to date on vaccines—especially pneumonia, flu, Tdap, shingles, and COVID-19—helps ensure they can continue caregiving with strength and resilience.
