Much needed attention has focused on the COVID-19 vaccines this year. Yet another very important vaccine for older adults is the seasonal influenza vaccine or “flu” shot.

The Importance of Flu Shots for Seniors in 2021

The single best way to reduce your risk from flu and possibly serious complications is to get the flu shot every year. Some experts are warning that we could see a "twindemic" of COVID-19 and flu happening this winter. The good news is that flu shot availability is plentiful. Here are some flu facts to help explain why getting your vaccine is so important.

What is influenza or flu?

Are influenza (flu) and COVID-19 caused by the same virus? The answer is no. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The flu virus is different from the coronavirus and two different vaccines are required for protection. Individuals who have had the COVID-19 vaccine or are planning to be vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely get the flu shot this year and every year.

Although they are caused by different viruses, there are some similarities between COVID-19 and flu. Just like COVID-19, flu is easily passed from person to person when someone coughs, talks or sneezes. You can also catch the flu virus from recently contaminated surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touch your mouth, eyes, or nose.

What are the symptoms of flu?

Some symptoms of flu are similar to the common cold, like sneezing, cough, sore throat, and chest discomfort. However, flu usually starts quicker and symptoms are much more severe than the common cold. Flu symptoms also include fever, body aches, chills, headaches, and feeling tired.

People often ask, “Can you get the flu from the flu shot?” No, you cannot. The flu shot is made from inactive (dead) virus that can't cause influenza infection. However, you may get brief, mild side effects from the flu vaccine that can feel almost flu-like.

Why are older adults at higher risk for flu?

While each flu season differs in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of disease. Last year’s burden from flu was low due to COVID-19 protections – staying home, mask wearing, physical distancing, avoiding crowds, and less travel. However, in previous years, CDC estimates that between 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occurred in older adults. People 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu compared with younger adults. This increased risk is due in part to declines in immune response with age. Older adults with chronic conditions, like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, are at highest risk for developing life-threatening complications from the flu.

Because of age-related changes in their immune systems, people 65 years and older may not respond as well to vaccination as younger people. Although immune responses may be lower in older people, studies have found that flu vaccine has been effective in reducing the risk of doctor visits and hospitalizations due to the flu. In addition, a high dose vaccine and an adjuvanted flu vaccine are available; adjuvanted flu vaccine includes an additive that provide a higher immune response. Both vaccines have been shown to more effective in older adults in producing a stronger immune response and reducing illness compared to the standard flu vaccine shot. Your doctor or pharmacist will recommend which flu vaccine is best for you.

Why are flu shots needed every year?

If you’re concerned about how to prevent catching the flu from someone, getting a flu vaccine is your best bet. CDC recommends that almost everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine every year, ideally by the end of October. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue throughout flu season, even into January or later.

Flu vaccines are updated each season to keep up with changing viruses. Also, immunity against the flu virus decreases over a year so annual vaccination is needed to make sure everyone has the best possible protection against flu. Because immunity may decrease more quickly in older people, it is especially important that older adults are not vaccinated too early like in July or August.

What about the pneumococcal vaccine?

Pneumonia is an example of a serious flu-related complication that can cause death. People who are 65 years and older also should be up to date with pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Talk to your doctor to find out which pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for you. If you are not up to date on your pneumococcal vaccine, you can get that vaccine when you get a flu vaccine.

Does Medicare cover vaccines?

Medicare Part B covers both the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccines with no out-of- pocket costs to Medicare beneficiaries.

Get your flu shot now!

If you’re wondering, “When will the 2020-2021 flu vaccine be available?”, the answer is right now. It's important to note that it takes about 2 weeks after the flu shot to develop antibodies or protection against the flu virus, so don’t wait. Check flu shot availability in your local area and make an appointment today. That way, you’ll be protected when the flu season starts in late fall/early winter.

Getting an annual flu shot is an important way to stay active, healthy, and independent.