INDIANA – If you haven’t gotten your annual flu shot yet, there’s still time. The flu shot is the best way to protect you and your loved ones against the flu and its potentially serious complications.
For better protection, the CDC recommends people 65 or older get a higher-dose flu vaccine, if available.
People 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications compared with young, healthy adults. This increased risk is due in part to changes in immune defenses with increasing age. In recent years, for example, it’s estimated that between 70 percent and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older, and between 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group.
The best way to protect against the flu and its potentially serious complications is with a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are updated each season because flu viruses are constantly changing. Also, immunity wanes over time. Annual vaccination helps to ensure the best possible protection against the flu.
Did you know you can get your flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine, including the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster, at the same visit? Go to Vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots, including high-dose flu vaccines, near you.
Reminder: Medicare covers flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to you.
