Flu Shot – What Seniors Should Know
Flu Complications, Who Should Consider Flu Vaccine, Cost & More
Sep 17, 2009
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists people over the age of 50 as one of several groups recommended for a yearly seasonal flu shot. Caregivers of the elderly also fall under these general flu shot recommendations due to the possibility of spreading the virus to the elderly person.
What are Complications of the Flu?
Many people who experience flu symptoms such as high fevers, body aches, and a cough enjoy a full recovery within about two weeks; however, seniors are at risk for complications, including death, related to the flu. The CDC estimates that 200,000 people are hospitalized yearly due to the flu, and 36,000 people die each year from seasonal flu-related symptoms. The 2005-2009 WebMD’s article “Flu Complications” lists the following complications of influenza:
- Viral or bacterial pneumonia
- Inflamed muscles (myositis)
- Central nervous system infection
- Infection around the heart (pericarditis)
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or congestive heart failure (CHF)
Which Flu Shot is Recommended for Seniors?
The CDC encourages seniors 50 and older to check with their healthcare provider regarding specific recommendations for receiving the seasonal flu shot. This flu shot is an inactivated vaccine containing three killed influenza viruses. Many vaccines provide lifetime immunity, but influenza is caused by viruses that change from year to year, so yearly vaccines are necessary to provide protection.
The CDC does not recommend that people 50 and older receive the flu vaccine in nasal spray form (FluMist). Seniors are not considered high risk for the 2009 H1N1 flu at this time, but readers may wish to check to see if they have other risk factors that may place them in a high risk category for the non-seasonal 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu. The regular seasonal flu vaccine does not provide immunity for the 2009 H1N1 flu.
When Should Seniors Receive the Flu Shot?
Influenza vaccinations are typically available starting in September and may continue to be available throughout the flu season, which typically peaks in January or February and may extend until April or May. The CDC recommends that seniors receive one influenza vaccine each year as soon as the vaccine becomes available or at least before December in order to give time (about two weeks) for the body to build antibodies for protection against the flu. According to the CDC, the vaccine should provide protection throughout the regular flu season, even if administered at the start of the season. Seniors with a weakened immune system do not have added benefits by receiving two seasonal flu shots during the same flu season.
Who Should Not Get a Flu Shot?
According to the CDC article entitled “Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine,” seniors should not receive a seasonal flu shot if they:
- Have a severe chicken egg allergy
- Have had a previous severe reaction to the influenza vaccine
- Developed Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) up to 6 weeks after a previous flu shot
- Have an illness with a fever (but may receive the vaccine after recovery from the illness)
- Have other contraindications identified by their healthcare provider
What Should Seniors Expect After Getting a Seasonal Flu Shot?
Many seniors who receive the seasonal influenza vaccine do not experience side effects and enjoy the flu season free of symptoms. As with any vaccine, side effects are possible. More common side effects of the flu shot are:
- Tenderness, soreness, and a reddened area at the injection site
- Low grade fever
- Body aches
Seniors experiencing serious side effects, including allergic reactions, as a result of the flu shot should seek immediate emergency care. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program enables people to file a claim if they think a vaccination has caused them to be injured.
Many factors determine how the flu shot might work for an individual person, including the health of the individual receiving the vaccine and the strain of influenza that hits a particular area. Seniors may still get a case of the flu despite receiving the vaccine, but the shot may boost the senior’s immunity to minimize symptoms and decrease complications.
How Much Does a Flu Shot Cost?
Prices vary, and seniors can get current rates by contacting the site where they wish to receive the vaccine. According to Medicare’s web site at this time, the flu shot is free each year for those who have Medicare Part B who:
- Have a doctor’s order
- See a doctor who accepts Medicare for the shot
- Have a doctor’s charge that does not exceed the maximum allowed by Medicare
Where Can Seniors Get a Flu Shot?
Many areas are attempting to make flu shots more accessible to seniors through added locations, convenient hours, and some offer curbside service. Seniors living in a nursing home or other group setting are usually able to receive a flu shot in the facility. Seasonal influenza vaccines are offered in various locations, including:
- Physician’s offices
- Local health departments
- Pharmacies
- Businesses where employees may be offered the vaccine
- Flu clinics that may offer discounted or free flu shots
Seniors and Flu Shots
A yearly seasonal flu shot may protect seniors from getting influenza and its potentially deadly complications. Seniors may receive an influenza vaccine at little or no cost and have several options available for shot locations. A healthcare provider can offer advice regarding whether or not the flu vaccine is the best option for individual seniors.
Readers may wish to read about recommended vaccines for seniors, the swine flu pandemic – what seniors should know, and how washing hands saves lives.
Information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
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