Seasonal Flu Shot: Facts, Myths, and Health Benefits

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Flu Shot Season

As flu season approaches, taking proactive steps to protect your health is essential. For older adults, getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy, active, and out of the hospital.

Understanding the facts about the seasonal flu vaccine helps you make safe, informed choices for your care.

Common Myths About the Flu Vaccine

Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu.

Fact: The flu shot cannot cause influenza. Injected flu vaccines contain inactivated or weakened virus components that cannot cause infection.

Myth: Healthy adults do not need a flu shot.

Fact: Anyone can contract the flu regardless of current health. Getting vaccinated reduces viral transmission, and helps protect family, friends, and loved ones around you.

Myth: You do not need to get a flu shot this year if you got one last year.

Fact: Influenza viruses change constantly. Vaccines are updated every season to target the most common active strains. Additionally, natural immune protection from previous shots shrinks over time.

Health Benefits of the Flu Vaccine 

Natural changes in the immune system happen as we age, making it harder for the body to fight infections. Influenza can quickly escalate into severe complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening heart and lung conditions – and older adults have the highest risk. 

Your annual flu vaccine significantly lowers the risk of severe illness. Studies show flu shots can reduce flu-related hospitalizations in adults ages 65 and older by 40-60%. Even if you contract the virus after receiving the shot, vaccination helps ensure your symptoms are milder and shorter. 

When to Get Vaccinated

Healthcare experts recommend receiving your season flu shot in September or October every year to build immunity before the spread breaks.

For adults 65 and older, the CDC may recommend specialized options – such as high-dose flu shots or adjuvanted flu vaccines. These shots contain additional antigens to create a stronger immune response for older adults.

Protecting your health should be convenient and straightforward!. Speak with your WellBe provider about where you can receive your flu shot to stay fully protected this year.

Talk to a WellBe Provider About Your Options

Your WellBe provider will visit you at home, answer questions, and help you find the most convenient route to getting vaccinated this year. 

If you don’t have a WellBe provider yet, take 60 seconds to submit a visit request form. A member of our care team will call you to help you get started.  

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The contents of the WellBe Senior Medical blog page are intended for informational and educational purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. Although content is reviewed by licensed professionals, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website reflects the most up-to-date research. The contents of this blog are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment because of something you have read on this website.