099 – Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know (2019 Update)

Show Notes

In This Episode:

Dr. K explains what all older adults and family caregivers should know about annual vaccination against influenza. She also reports on the statistics from last year’s flu season. This episode covers:

What is influenza, and how many people are affected every year
Why older adults are at higher risk of harm from the flu
How the vaccine works
The two key ways you can protect yourself from the flu
How pneumococcal vaccination helps protect against flu complications
What to know about flu shots designed for older adults
Which influenza vaccine she thinks is best for most older adults
What to do if your older relative is unable or unwilling to get vaccinated

Related Resources:

Flu Shots for Older Adults: What to Know & Do for 2019-2020
CDC: U.S. Influenza Vaccines for the 2019-20 Season
Adults: Protect Yourself with Pneumococcal Vaccines
How to boost your immune system (Harvard Health Review)
2018-2019 U.S. Flu Season: Preliminary Burden Estimates
To find a place to get your annual influenza vaccination: VaccineFinder.org

Never Miss an Episode! Sign up here to be notified of our latest podcast episodes by email. Click here now.

Show Notes

In This Episode:

Related Resources:

Other Episodes

Episode

020 – How to Diagnose & Treat Mild Cognitive Impairment

Episode

034 – Preventing Falls: 10 Types of Medication to Reconsider

Episode

080 – Interview: Smartwatches as Medical Alert Devices<br> (What to Know & How to Choose)