Summary: According to data from Statistics Poland (GUS), Polish society is aging. This presents a great challenge to the healthcare system. Older people very often suffer from chronic diseases and this makes them more vulnerable to infectious diseases and is an adverse prognostic factor in case of infection. Preventive vaccinations play a significant role in prophylaxis. They protect not only from infections but also from their serious, even fatal complications. Vaccinations against influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae are particularly recommended for the elderly. Other vaccinations should be considered in patients with a high risk of infection.