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The vaccination specifically recommended for adults aged 60 and older is the herpes zoster vaccine, which protects against shingles. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. As individuals age, their immunity to this virus wanes, leading to a higher risk of developing shingles, which can result in painful rashes and complications like postherpetic neuralgia, a chronic pain condition.

The herpes zoster vaccine is designed to boost the immune response to the varicella-zoster virus, thereby reducing the incidence of shingles and its associated complications in older adults. Health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend vaccination for this age group as a preventive measure due to their increased vulnerability to the virus and its effects.

In contrast, the other vaccinations listed, while important for various populations, do not have the same specific recommendations for adults aged 60 and older. Meningococcal vaccines, for example, target different age groups, primarily children and young adults, while hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended based on risk factors rather than age.