Covid-19 and the 2021-2022 flu season
With hospitals across the country already overwhelmed with COVID-19 hospitalizations, getting a flu shot to reduce the spread of respiratory illness is more important than ever.
Flu vaccination is especially important for adults 65 years and older, who account for most hospitalizations and deaths from flu and from Covid-19.
To protect your health when getting a flu vaccine, follow the CDC’s Covid-19 recommendations for safety during doctor visits and running essential errands and also continue to take everyday preventive actions.
Note: The CDC states that the flu shot and the Covid-19 booster can be taken at the same time.
Getting a flu shot prevents severe illness in seniors
Older adults are one of the highest risk groups for flu, but getting a flu shot will significantly reduce the chance that they’ll get sick.
And if they do end up getting the flu, already having the flu vaccine makes it less severe and less likely to develop into dangerous complications.
We share 5 reasons why a flu shot for seniors is so important for protecting their health.
We also explain when getting the flu shot is most effective, what type of vaccine seniors should get, where to get a flu shot, and where to get additional information from a trusted source.
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5 reasons why flu vaccines are so important for seniors
1. Seniors and caregivers are at higher risk for flu Cold and flu season is here again. Two of the most at-risk populations are seniors and caregivers.
Many seniors are vulnerable to seasonal flu because their immune systems are weaker due to age and often made worse by chronic illness.
Getting a flu shot protects older adults against serious illness and complications.
For caregivers, the chronic stress of taking care of your older adult impairs your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to illness.
And spending a lot of time with your older adult means passing germs back and forth.
When you get a flu shot, you’ll reduce the risk that you’ll get sick and infect your older adult. It will also save you the misery of being sick while continuing to care for them.
2. Flu is a serious health risk for seniors For seniors, the flu can quickly develop into a severe illness and could cause death.
In fact, the CDC estimates that 70 – 85% of flu-related deaths and 50 – 70% of flu-related hospitalizations happen in people who are age 65 and older.
3. Getting the flu shot reduces flu risk and severity Even if the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it’s still worthwhile. Research shows that if someone who is vaccinated does get the flu, they will have a milder case.
People 65 and older are at high risk of serious flu complications and account for the majority of flu hospitalizations and deaths each year.
But seniors who got the flu shot reduced their risk of being hospitalized due to the flu by up to 43%.
4. The flu vaccine is free under Medicare If your older adult has Medicare, the flu shot is free as long as the provider accepts Medicare.
There is no co-insurance or co-payment needed. And your older adult doesn’t have to meet their deductible to get the vaccine.
Most private insurance companies cover flu shots as a preventive service. If you don’t have insurance, many drugstores and clinics offer flu shots at low cost.
5. Protect against deadly flu complications A severe form of pneumonia is a common and deadly complication of the flu.
In addition to the flu shot, people age 65 or older, smokers, and those with diabetes or lung problems should consider getting a pneumococcal vaccination.
The pneumococcal vaccine isn’t needed every year, so be sure to check with your older adult’s doctor to find out if they need one this year.
When should seniors get a flu shot: September – October
With flu and Covid-19 going around this year, the CDC recommends that everyone should get vaccinated in September or before the end of October – especially adults over age 65.
After getting the shot, it takes about 2 weeks for the protective flu antibodies to develop in the body.
So, the sooner your older adult and you get the shot, the sooner you’ll both have protection against the flu.
But experts agree that getting the shot at any time is still much better than not getting it at all.
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What type of vaccine is recommended for seniors? The high-dose flu shot
For the 2021-2022 flu season, adults over age 65 should get either the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine or the flu vaccine with adjuvant (brand name FLUAD and FLUAD Quadrivalent).
Seniors need these special high-dose versions of the flu shot because their immune systems don’t produce as strong an immune response after getting the regular-dose vaccine.
That reduces the regular dose vaccine’s effectiveness and puts them at higher risk for severe illness.
The higher dose vaccines help older bodies produce a better immune response and increases their protection against the flu.
Where to get a flu shot: find a local clinic
Flu shots are available in many convenient locations, like major drugstores, health clinics, and doctor’s offices.
That makes getting a flu shot quick and easy – most of these locations don’t even require an appointment, you can walk in anytime.
This year, the nationwide online vaccine finder has been dedicated to locating Covid-19 vaccines.
To find a flu shot near you, contact your doctor’s office or use online flu vaccine finders from major drugstore pharmacies including:
Vaccine availability can change, so call ahead to make sure they have the vaccine you need before going.
Where to get more info: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
To get more information about the flu and flu shots from a trusted, reputable source, visit the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions page.
There you’ll be able to find out what’s new for the 2021-2022 flu season, what types of vaccinations are available, and more.
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By DailyCaring Editorial Team
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
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