Exactly one year ago, agebuzz readers were encouraged to check out Shingrix, the new shingles vaccine that was anticipated to be highly effective against shingles. Since one out of three adults develops shingles during his or her lifetime, the hope was that this new vaccine would drastically reduce the number of cases of this debilitating illness. Now, the data is out to demonstrate just how valuable this new vaccine has been. In a study just published in the British Medical Journal, researchers found Shingrix to be 85% more effective than the older shingles vaccine. So roll up your sleeve and read more about the effectiveness of this new vaccine here.

And while you’re at the doctor’s office, you may also want to get the vaccine against pneumonia. The CDC recommends a pneumonia vaccination for all adults over 65 and a new study published in Vaccine finds that it’s safe and just as effective to get the pneumonia vaccine at the same time you’re getting your shingles vaccine. And what else should you be doing while you’re at the doctor’s office? Check out some other suggested routine health maintenance ideas for your age group here.