Seasonal Vaccines
Protect your health with flu, COVID-19 and RSV shots.
Written by Melissa Bean Sterzick
It’s that time again—time to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about getting important seasonal vaccines. The arrival of fall signals an increase in the transmission of the common cold, flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, that lasts through winter. Effective and easily acquired vaccinations make flu season much safer for seniors. Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are updated regularly, and the newly developed RSV vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Adults older than age 65, especially those with underlying and chronic health conditions, are at serious risk for complications from these viruses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated between 70% and 90% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older, and 50% to 70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations come from this same age group. Shintau Lin, MD, a Torrance Memorial Physician Network primary care provider, recommends getting these vaccines before the viruses begin to spread.
When should older adults schedule their flu shots?
The best way to protect against the flu and its potentially serious complications is to get your flu shot each year. The ideal time to get the flu shot is September or October (before the flu begins to spread), or as soon as possible after this time.
What should we understand about the high-dose flu shot?
The high-dose flu vaccine has four times the amount of antigen as a regular flu shot and is recommended for people 65 years and older because it is associated with a stronger immune response. Studies demonstrate the high-dose vaccine provides greater protection against the flu compared to the standard-dose vaccine.
The RSV vaccine is new. How does it protect the health of older adults?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause lower respiratory tract illness in seniors. The RSV vaccine protects people from severe illness due to RSV. According to the CDC, adults with the highest risk for severe RSV illness include older adults, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, adults with weakened immune systems, and adults living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities. The vaccine protects seniors from severe RSV illness during a time of year when multiple respiratory infections are circulating. Seniors should schedule the new RSV vaccine as soon as possible.
How should older adults plan for COVID-19 vaccinations?
An updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected this fall. COVID-19 vaccinations are important because, as with other viruses, seniors are more susceptible to serious complications from COVID-19. Some seniors have ongoing health concerns and are considered to be immunocompromised, meaning their immune systems are weak. You may have a weak immune system if you have cancer, diabetes or heart conditions, for example, and will have more trouble fighting COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine improves the chances an individual will avoid the worst outcomes of the virus such as severe illness, hospitalization and death. Studies have also shown the vaccine can reduce the risk of long COVID and the severity of symptoms if a COVID-19 infection does occur. You can ask your doctor for recommendations and stay up to date with vaccines per CDC guidelines to schedule this vaccination.
Why are these vaccines important?
Seniors need to stay up to date on vaccines because they are more vulnerable to serious diseases and infections.
What are other ways we can protect ourselves during flu season?
In addition to getting the flu shot, seniors should take the same everyday preventive actions recommended by the CDC, including covering coughs, washing hands often, avoiding face-touching, staying out of crowded places and avoiding people who are sick. Good rest is also important. The better rested and healthier you are, the more likely your immune system can fight off infections and protect you from more severe cases of influenza.
