Do you need a yearly flu shot?

There are many flu vaccine options to choose from, but the most important thing is for all people 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine every year. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.

Why is it important to get a flu vaccine even if it is not always highly effective *?

We found that even when the flu vaccines don’t work well, they prevent a large number of people from getting infected or hospitalized and save thousands of lives. We also learned that when vaccines are less effective, it is most important for school-age children, young adults, and the elderly to be vaccinated.

How long can you go without a flu shot?

The flu shot offers protection against the flu for at least 6 months. Healthcare professionals usually vaccinate most people in October, when flu activity typically begins to increase, so their immunity will last until the following April.

Is the flu shot a live virus?

Flu vaccines given with a needle (i.e., flu shots) are made with either inactivated (killed) viruses, or with only a single protein from the flu virus. The nasal spray vaccine contains live viruses that are attenuated (weakened) so that they will not cause illness.

How effective is the flu shot for the elderly?

A. The flu vaccine can be less effective in elderly adults. That’s because the flu vaccine works by priming the body’s own immune system to mount a response to the virus if it’s encountered. Older adults may have weaker immune systems, and therefore a weaker immune response to the vaccine.

What is the difference between a flu shot and a senior flu shot?

Some older adults may have weaker immune systems, which can lead them to be less protected after a regular flu vaccine. In response to a regular flu shot, older people produce 50\% to 75\% fewer antibodies, which protect against the vaccine antigens, than do younger adults.

Which flu vaccine is best for over 65 2020?

Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent is a four-component (quadrivalent) flu vaccine approved for people 65 years and older.