Every year, millions of people get sick from the flu, and seniors are particularly vulnerable to this potentially dangerous illness. Flu shots are an important part of keeping seniors healthy and safe from the flu, and it’s crucial to get the proper vaccinations each year. Recent developments in vaccines have made flu shots for seniors even more effective than before. Some people may be wary of getting vaccinations they view as unnecessary. However, these shots are crucial to stop the spread of the influenza virus, and learning more about the benefits of flu shots can help prevent serious health complications in seniors.
Safety and security at Buckner Retirement Services are our top priorities. This includes providing the proper yearly flu vaccinations for our residents. For your peace of mind, turn to Buckner Retirement Services for any senior living needs. We offer a variety of communities that cater to seniors of all abilities and needs. Our residents enjoy a vibrant, active, and independent lifestyle, maximizing their experiences each day. To learn more about how Buckner Retirement Services is different from retirement homes you may have visited in the past, contact us at 214.227.7182.
What to Know About Flu Shots for Seniors
Flu shots are a safe and easy way to protect senior adults from getting the flu. The vaccine helps the body build up immunity to strains of the virus that are most likely to be circulating during the flu season. This means if a person who has taken the flu shot comes in contact with one of these viruses, their body will be better prepared to fight it off before it makes them sick. Getting a yearly flu shot also helps reduce the spread of influenza throughout a community by protecting those who are most vulnerable, such as senior adults and young children. In addition, getting a flu shot can help reduce symptoms even if you do end up getting sick.
The best time for seniors to get their flu shot is as soon as it is available in their area, usually in late September or early October. It takes about two weeks for the body to build up immunity after receiving the vaccine, so it’s important to get it early in order for it to be effective throughout the entire season. However, it is still beneficial to get vaccinated later in the season since influenza season tends to peak between December and February.
There are several places where seniors can get their annual flu shot:
- Pharmacies
- Doctor’s offices and hospitals
- Community clinics
What Are High-Dose Flu Shots?
High-dose flu shots for seniors are a form of immunization designed to provide stronger protection against the influenza virus than traditional flu shots. The high-dose flu shot has been developed in recent years and is now recommended as the best option for adult seniors 65 years of age and older.
The high-dose flu shot can be especially beneficial for older adults because their immune systems tend to weaken with age. As such, they may not have a strong immune response to regular flu vaccines like younger individuals.
High-dose flu shots contain up to four times the amount of antigens as traditional flu shots, providing a much stronger immune response than the traditional shot. This increased dose provides better protection from the flu virus and its various strains.
Like any other injection, high-dose flu shots have some side effects, which can include:
- Headaches
- Soreness and discoloration of the injection site
- Muscle aches
- Lethargy and drowsiness
Studies have found that there is no difference in side effect rates between those who receive either type of shot. The only thing to remember is to get the high-dose flu vaccine version that is specifically recommended for older adults. If a high-dose flu vaccine is not available, the traditional flu vaccine is better than no vaccine.
Stay Safe with Buckner Retirement Services
At Buckner Retirement Services, the security of our residents is one of our core principles. We have measures in place for everything from workers and visitors to storms and viral epidemics. We strive to always be ready for any medical emergency or natural disaster so that our residents can live free from worry and take advantage of the relaxation, fun, and care they deserve in their golden years. To learn more about how we give our residents a unique experience from the moment they step through our doors, call us at 214.227.7182 or contact us online.