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 patients, it’s easy to see how adding flu-related hospitalizations could make an already tenuous situation worse.
Mark Thompson, an epidemiologist in the Influenza Division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states, "People who can avoid the flu will help reduce the burden on a U.S. health care system already overwhelmed by COVID-19.”
With this in mind, the Florida in-home care experts at American, Advocate, Douglas and Whitsyms In-Home Care provide the following 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.
A seasonal flu vaccine is an easy way to reduce or minimize the risk for the serious complications that can occur when older adults get the flu. Our experienced referred care providers can help provide transportation to ensure seniors are up-to-date on all of their vaccines, and can also help keep the home clean and sanitized and the refrigerator stocked with healthy food and snacks.
Discover more about the ways our family of brands can help promote optimum health for a senior you love, select the location nearest you:
- American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
- Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
- Douglas In-Home Care – Serving Treasure Coast
- Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
Contact us any time for additional information on how our professional Florida Home Health Care Services can help keep seniors safe & healthy during Flu season and beyond.
State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661
