3 Reasons For Seniors to Get Flu Shots

With Fall in full swing, it’s never been more important to be prepared for Flu season. Especially for older individuals and those that are immunocompromised, it’s crucial to get a flu shot. In addition, according to reporting by the CDC, this year’s Flu season is coming earlier, and that,

“early flu activity has brought early flu-related hospitalizations, with the highest hospitalization rates in children and older adults. Levels of laboratory-confirmed flu activity continue to increase. They are highest in the southeast and south-central parts of the country. CDC also reported the first flu pediatric death of the 2022-2023 flu season.”

Getting a Flu shot is one of the best measures to prevent spreading the Flu and preventing potentially deadly complications, particularly for seniors.

At Special Touch Home Care, we are particularly passionate about getting the Flu shot this time of year. Our agents take of so many loved ones that are susceptible to complications with the virus. For that reason, we wanted to create a guide with reasons for seniors to get Flu shots to help both our caretakers and the loved ones our caretakers support. Please read all of our reasons below!

A senior patient smiles after receiving her vaccination

Boosts Immune System Response
Prevents Complications from Contracting the Flu
Helps Protect Your Friends and Family

1. Boosts Immune System Response

One of the most significant benefits of Flu shots is boosting the immune system response against the virus. This helps prevent contracting the Flu or ensure that you experience fewer complications.

The CDC recommends the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent for seniors, as it “is intended to give people 65 years and older a better immune response to vaccination, and therefore, better protection against flu”.

With a higher immune response due to four times the antigen in the vaccine, this vaccine helps prevent getting the Flu and potentially deadly complications.

2. Prevents Complications from Contracting the Flu

Older individuals are at high risk for more severe complications from the Flu without the vaccination recommended for seniors. According to reporting by Healthline, 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occur in people 65+, and 70% of flu-related hospitalizations occur in that same age group.

The vaccine helps prevent serious complications even if you contract the Flu, preventing hospitalization and even death.

3. Helps Protect Your Friends and Family

Finally, because the Flu is so easily spread, getting the vaccine can ensure your loved ones stay safe. There are likely other immunocompromised and other seniors you care about, so when you get the vaccine, you can make sure everyone stays protected.

Fewer people getting the Flu means the virus mutates less, and you can spend less worrying about getting it.

Considering Special Touch Home Care?

Of course, these are just a couple of reasons for people 65 and older to get their flu shots. We also hope all caretakers working with Special Touch Home Care will get their shot. The more people get vaccinated, the happier and healthier Fall will be.

In addition, if you have loved ones in your life interested in in-home care or if you’re interested in in-home care yourself, we hope you will reach out! Special Touch Home Care helps loved ones hire someone they know and trust as their paid caregiver.