It's Time for Your Flu Shot!
Seniors and high risk individuals are being encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physicians and even drug store chains, to get vaccinated by the end of October to minimize the risks of serious complications from the flu.
While the CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 month and older become immunized for flu each year, it is especially important for people 65 years and older to get the proper "high dose vaccine" designed specifically for this age group, or the adjuvanted flu vaccince, designed to help create a stronger immune response in seniors. Both shots have proven to be up to 63% more effective for this age group, compared to the standard dose flu vaccine.
Many pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens offer free (zero co-pay) flu shots with most insurance plans. At the same time, seniors should consider getting pneumococcal vaccines to protect against pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. Pneumococcal pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related complication that can cause death.
Talk to your doctor to find out which vaccines are recommended for you. Your doctor can also advise what mild side effects you may experience after vaccination.
For more information on the 2017-2018 Influenza Season, visit the CDC website.
