During flu season, everyone aged 6 months and older should consider getting a flu shot, but certain groups are at higher risk for complications and should prioritize it. As you think about potential vaccines for you and your loved ones, it’s important to understand which ones are essential to elderly people. Here, you will learn about the flu shot, when you should get a flu shot and more.

Why is the Flu Shot Important?

In general, vaccines are important to not only protect individuals but to protect the greater community as a whole. As we talk about the need for vaccines, it’s important to understand which ones are essential to elderly people. We invite you to join the discussion below to learn about why the flu vaccine is important for the elderly community.

The seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the most common flu strains each year, which helps prevent serious complications, especially for high-risk groups such as children, caretakers and adults aged 65 and older. The flu is a serious illness. It can cause severe complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, and even death. For seniors, the risk of suffering from the flu or its complications is increased. The vaccine works by prompting your immune system to create antibodies that fight off the flu virus if you’re exposed. With the severity of the flu virus, it’s important to take the necessary precautions, as prevention is the first step in protecting yourself.

Who Should Be Getting a Flu Shot?

The flu shot is important because it helps protect individuals and communities from the potentially severe impacts of influenza. While flu shots are recommended for nearly everyone 6 months and older, certain groups are at higher risk for complications and should prioritize it. These groups include:

High-Risk Individuals

People at higher risk for flu complications include: 

• Adults aged 65 and older: Older adults are more vulnerable to severe complications from the flu, such as pneumonia.
• Pregnant people: Flu shots protect both the parent and the baby for several months after birth.
• Young children: Especially those under 5, as they are more likely to experience severe illness.
• Individuals with chronic health conditions, including:
  • Asthma or chronic lung diseases
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
  • Kidney or liver disorders
  • Weakened immune systems (due to HIV, cancer treatments, etc.)

• Residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

Healthcare Workers, Caregivers and Close Contacts

Healthcare workers and caregivers who work closely with vulnerable individuals are advised to get flu shots. Those in nursing homes, hospitals, or similar settings are at a higher risk of exposure and could spread the flu to high-risk individuals if unvaccinated.

• Caregivers of high-risk individuals: Protecting those who cannot get vaccinated or are at higher risk.
• Healthcare workers: To prevent the spread of the flu to patients.
• Parents and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months: Since babies are too young to receive the vaccine themselves, their protection comes from others around them being vaccinated.

Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities or Congregate Settings

Communal living situations, such as long-term care facilities, where viruses spread easily, including the flu. Vaccinations help protect residents from flu outbreaks, with many facilities offering on-site flu shots. Vaccinations help reduce the spread of viruses, protecting those around you who may be more vulnerable. The more people that are vaccinated, the fewer chances the flu virus has to spread.

When and Where to Get Your Flu Shot

Adults aged 65 and older should get the flu vaccine every year. With the severity of the flu virus, it’s important to take all necessary precautions. Prevention is the first step in protecting yourself so receiving your flu shot in the early fall, before flu activity begins, is ideal. However, getting a flu shot later in the season is still beneficial so if you haven’t gotten it yet, it’s not too late. As with all medical decisions, you should ask your doctor about getting the flu vaccine this year and make the best choice for you and those around you.