It’s time to get your flu shot, especially if you are older or have chronic health problems. That’s the message from Care Connection for Aging Services, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, and the National Council on Aging.
If you have diabetes or heart disease, a flu shot could save your life. For people with these illnesses, the flu can be more than aches and pains. It can mean a longer illness, a hospital stay, or even death. In fact, people with diabetes are nearly three times more likely than others to die from the flu or pneumonia, according to the state health department.
Because the flu viruses are constantly changing, you need to get a vaccination annually. State health officials recommend the flu shot for all people six months or older.
Adults 65 and older have flu vaccine options—the traditional, standard-dose flu vaccine or a higher-dose vaccine. The higher-dose vaccine is made to address the age-related decline of the immune system. An annual flu shot is a Medicare Part B benefit, which means the vaccine is covered with no copay for Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older.
It takes about two weeks before your body is fully protected from the flu, so get one today.
Check with your county health department or your primary physician to get your immunization. If you cannot locate the vaccine in your area, call Care Connection for Aging Services at 1-800-748-7826, and they will try to help.
Care Connection for Aging Services operates 22 senior centers in 13 West Central Missouri Counties, including Carroll, Chariton, Lafayette, Saline, Johnson, Pettis, Henry, Benton, Bates, Vernon, St. Clair, Hickory and Cedar.
Get Your Flu Shot Today
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