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

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