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Each September, Healthy Aging Month reminds us of the importance of taking proactive steps to support health and wellness as we age. For medical practices and pharmacies, this is an opportunity not only to educate patients about preventive care but also to ensure the vaccines that protect older adults are available and accessible.

As the U.S. population continues to age, the demand for vaccines that prevent life-threatening diseases in older adults is steadily increasing. For practice managers, physicians, and pharmacy directors, being prepared for this growing need means more than just understanding the clinical importance of immunizations—it also means having the right purchasing strategy in place. That’s where US Physicians’ Purchasing Group (USPPG) plays a critical role.

This post will explore the importance of vaccines in healthy aging, highlight which vaccines are essential for older adults, and explain how a vaccine purchasing group like USPPG can help practices and pharmacies stay ahead of the curve during September’s Healthy Aging Month—and all year long.

Why Healthy Aging Month Matters for Vaccine Awareness

Healthy Aging Month is a nationwide observance designed to draw attention to the positive aspects of growing older and to encourage preventive health measures. Vaccination is one of the most effective preventive strategies for adults over 50 and especially those 65 and older, since age-related decline in immune function (immunosenescence) makes them more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

Despite the well-documented benefits of vaccines, vaccination rates among older adults remain suboptimal. For example:

• The CDC reports that only around 70% of adults 65+ receive the annual flu vaccine, leaving millions at risk.
• Pneumococcal vaccine coverage is below Healthy People 2030 goals.
• Many older adults remain unaware of shingles and RSV vaccine availability.

By participating in Healthy Aging Month, providers and pharmacists can spotlight the importance of vaccination as a cornerstone of healthy aging. Having the right vaccines in stock at the right time ensures that patients receive protection when they need it most.

Key Vaccines That Support Healthy Aging

For practices and pharmacies that serve older patients, maintaining an adequate supply of recommended vaccines is crucial. These vaccines are particularly important for adults 50+:

1. Influenza Vaccines

Why it matters: Each flu season, adults over 65 account for the majority of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

Options: High-dose and adjuvanted formulations provide stronger protection for older immune systems.

Best practice: Ensure orders for flu vaccines are placed early through reliable channels to meet seasonal demand.

2. Pneumococcal Vaccines

Why it matters: Pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections can be devastating in older adults.

CDC recommendations: PCV20 or a combination of PCV15 followed by PPSV23, depending on patient history.

Practice need: Stocking multiple formulations helps meet individualized care needs.

3. Shingles Vaccine (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine)

Why it matters: The risk of shingles and painful post-herpetic neuralgia increases with age.

CDC recommendations: Two doses for all adults over 50, regardless of prior shingles history.

Purchasing note: High demand requires reliable supplier partnerships to avoid shortages.

4. Tdap or Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

Why it matters: Older adults often overlook booster needs, leaving gaps in protection.

Best practice: Keep boosters available for adults who may not have been updated in 10 years.

5. RSV Vaccines

Why it matters: RSV poses significant risks for adults 60+, including hospitalization.

Newly approved vaccines: Practices should anticipate increased demand as awareness grows.

Purchasing strategy: As a newer vaccine, maintaining consistent supply may be a challenge without group-negotiated contracts.

Challenges Practices Face When Ordering Vaccines

While the clinical case for adult immunization is clear, vaccine purchasing poses unique challenges for practices and pharmacies:

• High upfront costs: Vaccines are expensive, and ordering multiple formulations requires significant capital.
• Inventory management: Keeping the right stock without over-ordering can be difficult, particularly with seasonal demand.
• Price fluctuations: Vaccine prices change based on supply, demand, and manufacturer contracts.
• Reimbursement issues: Practices must balance purchasing costs with unpredictable insurance reimbursements.

Without a strategic purchasing plan, practices risk financial strain, missed opportunities for patient care, or both.

How USPPG Helps Practices During Healthy Aging Month and Beyond

As a vaccine purchasing group, USPPG helps medical practices and pharmacies navigate these challenges by leveraging the power of collective negotiation. By joining USPPG, members benefit from:

• Discounted vaccine pricing: Access manufacturer-contracted discounts on essential vaccines like flu, pneumococcal, shingles, Tdap, and RSV.
• Streamlined purchasing: Simplify ordering and reduce administrative burdens with structured vaccine supply programs.
• Predictable budgeting: Lower costs and stabilize financial planning for seasonal and year-round vaccines.
• Improved patient access: With affordable and consistent vaccine supply, practices are better positioned to meet demand during Healthy Aging Month and throughout the year.

By pooling resources, USPPG ensures that even smaller practices and independent pharmacies can compete with large health systems when it comes to vaccine procurement.

Aligning Vaccine Purchasing With Healthy Aging Goals

During September’s Healthy Aging Month, practices have an opportunity to educate patients and highlight their preventive care offerings. By strategically aligning vaccine purchasing with these outreach efforts, practices can:

• Launch vaccine awareness campaigns for flu, shingles, and RSV.
• Host in-office vaccination clinics for older patients.
• Provide patient education about how vaccines fit into a larger healthy aging plan.

When practices are equipped with the right vaccines, they not only fulfill clinical recommendations but also strengthen patient trust and loyalty.

Looking Ahead: Meeting the Growing Demand for Adult Vaccines

The U.S. Census Bureau projects that by 2034, adults over 65 will outnumber children under 18 for the first time in history. This demographic shift will significantly increase demand for vaccines tailored to older populations.

Practices and pharmacies that prepare now with strong purchasing strategies will be positioned for long-term success. Joining a vaccine purchasing group like USPPG ensures that you can meet both today’s needs and tomorrow’s growing demand for adult immunizations.

Conclusion: Supporting Healthy Aging Through Smarter Vaccine Purchasing

Healthy Aging Month shines a light on the proactive steps individuals and healthcare providers can take to support wellness later in life. For practices and pharmacies, ensuring that essential vaccines are available is one of the most powerful contributions to this effort.

By partnering with USPPG, practices gain the tools and purchasing power to stock critical vaccines—such as flu, pneumococcal, shingles, Tdap, and RSV—at affordable prices. This not only helps meet clinical guidelines but also positions providers as leaders in preventive care for older adults.

As September encourages patients to think about healthy aging, make sure your practice or pharmacy is ready to meet the moment. With USPPG, you can reduce costs, improve access, and better serve your aging patient population.