The Importance of Flu Shots for Seniors
For seniors aged 65 years and older, there’s never a good time to get the flu. And this year, that’s especially true. With coronavirus cases still on the rise, it’s more important than ever for seniors to take steps to protect their health. One way to do this is to plan on getting the seasonal flu vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 50-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations can be attributed to people who are 65 years of age or older. With many hospitals still struggling to meet the demands of COVID-19 positive clients, it’s easy to see how adding flu-related hospitalizations could make an already tenuous situation worse.
Here are three tips on the importance of getting a flu vaccine this year:
- Plan to get the vaccine early. Healthcare providers and many pharmacies offer the flu vaccine each year. Due to an anticipated increase in demand for the flu vaccine, it’s important to plan to get the vaccine as early as it’s available, which is typically September. This online resource provides information about local clinics that offer flu vaccines near you.
- Learn about the different types of flu vaccine. While the flu vaccine is approved for most people 6 months of age or older, there are different types of flu shots for specific age groups. Doctors typically recommend a high-dose vaccine or a vaccine made with adjuvant for anyone over the age of 65 years old.
- Be proactive and protect yourself. Because the immune system becomes weaker with age, it becomes difficult for the body to fight off infections like the flu, putting seniors at greater risk for serious complications and potential hospitalizations. Getting an annual flu shot is a proactive way to protect your health.
Flu shots for seniors are covered by Medicare and by most private insurance. For seniors who don’t have insurance, many pharmacies and clinics offer flu shots at very low cost.
Why Choose LightSpring Home Care?
Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals by giving them the best home care possible.
Our home care professionals look beyond the basic needs of our clients to become advocates for their physical and emotional well-being. Whether you are faced with a new diagnosis, recent surgery, or long-term health challenge, the care we provide is rooted in our core values.
Our senior care services allow our elderly clients to maintain as much independence as possible by providing the appropriate in-home assistance and companionship, lifting the spirits of both the elderly and the family caregivers.
LightSpring Home Care provides Home Care Services in the Philadelphia and surrounding cities.
Call us at 215-935-6321
