Should I Get the Flu Shot If I'm Over 65? Advice from Medical Professionals on Vaccinations
With the latest evidence on the efficacy of vaccinations, it is important for seniors and those with compromised immune systems to take advice from medical professionals on when to get vaccinated. In this blog post, we'll examine the case for getting a flu shot at 65 and up, what the latest evidence says, and advice from medical professionals on vaccinations and preventive care tips to reduce risk. We will also provide information on local healthcare providers that offer flu shots for seniors.
Latest Research On The Effectiveness Of Flu Vaccines
Getting vaccinated is the most reliable way to protect seniors and individuals with weakened immune systems from complications of the flu. Research shows that if the adults who were hospitalized due to the flu were vaccinated, they were 59% less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit compared to an unvaccinated person who was hospitalized. Not only does the flu shot reduce the severity of hospitalizations, but a 2017 study also found that during 2009-2016, flu vaccines reduced the risk of any type of flu-associated hospitalization among those over the age of 65 by about 40% on average. By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself from the flu but also helping to reduce its spread.
What Medical Experts Recommend
The CDC recommends specific flu vaccines for people 65 and over, as studies have shown they create a better immune response than the traditional vaccine. These vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of doctor visits and hospitalization with A(H3N2) flu in adults 65 years and older.
For maximum protection, higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines such as Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublock Quadrivalent, and Fluad Quadrivalent are recommended. These vaccines have been shown to trigger a better immune response in older adults than the traditional flu vaccine.
Preventative Care Is The Best Way To Reduce The Risk Of Complications.
There are many ways to reduce your risk of getting the flu, the best way to prevent complications is to avoid contracting the flu in the first place. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are a few tips:
• Get vaccinated. The most effective way to reduce your risk of contracting the flu is to get a flu shot. Talk to your doctor about when it's best to get vaccinated each year.
• Wash your hands frequently. Handwashing is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting the flu. Make sure you're washing your hands before meals, after using the restroom, and after touching any surfaces that could be contaminated.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick. If you're around people who have the flu, practice social distancing and maintain 6 feet of distance between you and them.
• Disinfect commonly used surfaces regularly. Disinfecting surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, and light switches will help to prevent germs from spreading.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow helps keep germs from spreading.
Many local pharmacies, workplaces, and community health clinics offer flu vaccines.
If you have health insurance, contact your primary healthcare provider to make an appointment to get a flu shot. The cost of the vaccine is covered by most health insurance plans without a co-pay. You can also check with local health departments to see if they offer flu shots. By finding local healthcare providers offering flu shots for seniors, you can help protect yourself and those around you from the risk of getting the flu.
For seniors who need additional assistance, Senior Helpers Boston North provides in-home care in North Shore, Merrimack Valley, Cape Ann, Burlington, Lexington, Newburyport, Marblehead, Peabody, and Melrose. The friendly and trained staff is ready to help with preventative care and keeping seniors healthy. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep seniors safe and healthy this season.