50+ Lifestyles

Flu Shots Are Even More Important for those 65+

By Mike Mathews
Milestones Area Agency on Aging

As we welcome in the fall season, we unfortunately have to welcome the always dreaded flu season. Flu season
typically begins in late October, so if you haven’t already, the time to receive your flu vaccine is now. The body typically takes up to two weeks to develop an immune response from a vaccine, so getting an immunization now is your safest bet to fight the flu.

With the added risk of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses, a flu shoot is increasingly important this season. Influenza reduces the body’s ability to fight other infections. Bacterial pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs, is the most common complication from influenza, especially in elderly people. Influenza can also lead to more complications for people who have heart, lung or other health conditions. These complications can sometimes be fatal.
According to the CDC, people 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, compared with young, healthy adults. And while the flu vaccine can vary in how well it works, vaccination is the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications.

In recent years, it’s estimated that between 70 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths in the United States occur among people 65 years and older, and between about 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group. Flu shots have an excellent safety record and the side effects of flu shots are mild when compared to potentially serious consequences of flu infection.

The flu vaccine is not 100% effective, but it’s still one of the best ways to prevent the flu, according to the CDC. The regular flu vaccine seems to be less effective in seniors than it is in younger adults. However, PubMed studies have found the high-dose senior flu shot better protects older adults against the flu when compared with the standard flu vaccine.

Getting vaccinated also seems to reduce the severity of illness for people who get sick with the flu, according to the CDC. In fact, researchers have found that flu vaccinations in recent years have reduced the need for flu-related hospitalizations among older adults by 40%.

The following flu vaccines are recommended for adults 65 and older only. Talk to your doctor about which senior flu shot is right for you..

• Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent (brand name: Fluzone High-Dose) is a vaccine made up of four different flu strains likely to cause the flu in the upcoming season. The higher dose of flu virus antigen in the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine stimulates a stronger immune response, making it more effective in preventing the flu in seniors than other regular flu vaccines. One study comparing it to the standard flu vaccine also showed the higher-dose vaccine can reduce the need for respiratory-related hospitalizations.
• Adjuvanted flu vaccine (brand name: Fluad) contains an additive called an adjuvant. The adjuvant in this vaccine is made with aluminum salts and stimulates a stronger immune response when compared to other standard flu vaccines. This vaccine is usually made up of three different strains of the flu, like other standard flu vaccines, but a quadrivalent adjuvanted vaccine is also available now.

Flu vaccines are readily available at most pharmacies and doctors’ offices. If you need assistance in locating your nearest flu shot location, please call Milestones at (855) 410-6222.

To learn more about Milestones Area Agency on Aging and the programs we offer, please visit milestonesaaa.org.