Flu Vaccine – Not Too Early For the Shot

Most people aren’t thinking flu season while summer is still here but the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention released the flu vaccine in mid-July and because it takes two to three weeks to enter the system and offer protection, it’s not too early to get the shot.

The flu vaccine will offer protection for a full year and as a result last year’s vaccine may still  provide some overlap defense against illness.  Older adults may be more susceptible to the flu due to a weaker immune system although there is no guarantee seniors won’t be exposed to a strain of the flu they have not been immunized against.  Each year the CDC decides which strains are in the vaccine based on their best predictions of what will be most virulent in the coming year.

Elderly adults may also want to consider vaccinating for shingles and pneumonia .  Adults should also get at Td/Tdap (Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine every 10 years.  Those with diabetes or chronic liver disease should also talk with their doctors about the hepatitis A and B vaccines.

For more information about adult immunization or vaccines for travel visit https://www.vaccines.gov/who_and_when/seniors/index.html .