As the summer is winding down and the weather is cooling off, make sure that you take a proactive approach to protecting your health. Flu season is coming up, and seniors have a higher risk of complications if they get the flu.

Flu Shot Recommendations

Many doctors suggest that patients over the age of 65 should get a flu shot every year, but why is it necessary to get another shot if you had one last year? With viral infections, immunity is developed after the person has contracted the disease. A flu shot helps you to build immunity without going through the symptoms and discomfort of the virus.

The flu virus morphs from one year to the next. So, even if you had a flu shot or contracted the flu last year, it is possible for you to get the new virus this year. Each year, the new flu shot is designed to match the virus strain that is anticipated.

Why Flu Shots are so Important for Seniors

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), strongly recommends that all seniors get a flu shot each year. Statistics show that flu-related deaths are most common in the elderly population. In fact, as many as 90% of the flu-related deaths each year happen to people over the age of 65.

Annually, over 200,000 people are hospitalized because of the flu. Complications can be devastating for some people. The best approach is to prevent the contraction of the disease by getting a flu shot. Flu season can start as early as October, which means that right now is the perfect time to get your annual flu shot.

Getting Your Flu Shot

If you are interested in getting a flu shot, then you should talk with your doctor. Most medical offices offer these treatments. Additionally, flu shots appointments are often scheduled at local pharmacies.

Most medical insurance plans will cover one flu shot each year. Before you go in for your shot, make sure that you have a good insurance plan that will pay for this preventive treatment. If you don’t have insurance coverage that you are happy with, then you are invited to contact us to learn more about the plans that are offered.