This blog post on the reasons to get the flu shot is made possible by the American Lung Association, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
It’s important to get vaccinated to help protect yourself and those around you every year. Annual vaccination is important as the flu viruses change each season and the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time and the circulating flu viruses – and sometimes flu shot formulation – can vary from year to year. Get your flu shot in the fall – it takes about two weeks after you receive a flu shot for antibodies to develop in the body and help provide protection against the flu. To find out where vaccines are available in your area, check out the Vaccine Finder on the American Lung Association’s GetMyShot.org.
Reasons to Get the Flu Shot When You’re Over 50
Flu can worsen chronic illness symptoms
Adults 50 years of age and older are more likely to have one or more chronic health conditions, such as lung or heart disease, diabetes and cancer. When combined with the flu, these chronic health conditions can become worse and cause serious illness.
Caregivers
If you have an elderly parent, or are a caregiver for someone, as many of us who are ages 50+, getting a flu shot also helps to protect them from getting the flu. Many folks who are in their 50s and older are acting as caregivers for parents, relatives, spouses or even grandchildren.
Complications
Certain groups are at increased risk of flu-related infection and complications, including young children, pregnant women, adults 50 years of age and older, and people living with chronic health conditions.
Decreased Risk
Getting a flu shot helps reduce the risk of serious complications from the flu and even death for older adults. Preventing flu can also help lower the risk of stroke and pneumonia in adults ages 65 and older. This – includes caregivers as those we care for rely on us to be able to give them care!
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Along with getting vaccinated, it’s important to follow other good health habits to help limit spreading the flu, such as covering your cough with your inner elbow, washing your hands often and staying home when you are sick to prevent the spread of germs. If you aren’t able to stay home, do your best to minimize contact with compromised groups and try to wear a barrier mask to keep the germs to yourself.
Milder Symptoms
If you do get the flu, having the flu shot in your system can potentially mean milder symptoms!
Protecting Others
Even if you aren’t a caregiver, or live with chronic illness, getting a flu shot can help decrease risk to those around you who may have a compromised immune system.
MyShot Campaign
The American Lung Association has launched the MyShot campaign, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, to help educate adults 50 years of age and older about the potential dangers of the flu and the importance of getting an annual flu shot.
If you or someone you love is 50 years of age and older, go to the American Lung Association’s GetMyShot.org to learn more and speak with your healthcare provider about flu vaccine options that may be right for you.
If you or someone you love is 50 years of age and older, go to GetMyShot.org to learn more and speak with your healthcare provider about flu vaccine options that may be right for you.
What are your reasons to get the flu shot? Do you have any to add?
SAUS.IFLU.19.07.3895 – 08/19
Amber Myers says
Yes, we usually get ours. I hate being sick. I just don’t have time for it. There’s too much to do, so I do what I can to prevent illness.
robin rue says
My kids and husband got theirs today as a matter of fact. They were doing them for free at our local Y, so they all went over there.