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Influenza vaccines are a safe and effective way to help people stay healthy, prevent illness and even save lives. As people age, they may be at higher risk of complications from influenza. For this reason, seniors age 65 years and older are advised to get an inactivated influenza vaccine or flu shot each year.
What is the advantage of the senior flu shot?
The higher dose of antigen in the vaccine is intended to give people 65 years and older a better immune response to vaccination, and therefore, better protection against flu.
What are the negatives of getting a flu shot?
However, possible side effects for the flu shot are typically mild, such as soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, aches or other minor symptoms. If these minor side effects occur, it is typically soon after the shot is administered, and symptoms last for up to 2 days.
Are there side effects to the senior flu shot?
High Dose and Adjuvanted Flu Vaccine Side Effects Side effects can include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle ache and malaise, and typically resolve with 1 to 3 days.
Can the senior flu shot make you sick?
Mild symptoms may occur in some people after being immunized, especially those receiving the vaccine for the first time. Symptoms can include fever, headache, aching muscles and fatigue that may last 1 to 2 days. These symptoms are less severe and last a shorter time compared to influenza infection.
Why do healthcare workers decline influenza vaccine?
Reasons people in the “don’t care” group declined included not being able to find a place that had the vaccine; cost of the vaccine; forgetting to be vaccinated; the inconvenience of being vaccinated; and purported allergy to influenza vaccine.
Can the senior flu shot make you tired?
Some side effects that may occur from a flu shot include soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given, headache (low grade), fever, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. The flu shot, like other injections, can occasionally cause fainting.
Does flu shot affect blood pressure?
The vaccine causes the body to produce antibodies that target angiotensin II, a chemical in the body that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
Do you get sick after Covid vaccine?
Fever, headache, fatigue and pain at the injection site were the most commonly reported side effects, and overall, most side effects were mild to moderate. However, as with the two-dose or single-dose primary series, serious side effects are rare, but may occur.
Is there a different flu shot for 65 and older?
Yes. However, people aged 65 and over should receive the enhanced quadrivalent vaccine (Fluad® Quad) over other standard quadrivalent vaccines. The enhanced vaccine has been specially formulated to create a greater immune response amongst the elderly, who are known to have a weaker response to immunisation.
How can you avoid getting a flu shot?
Preventing the Flu Without Shots Clean your hands for 15 seconds. Soap, warm water, and a period of vigorous rubbing will wash viruses down the drain. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue, rather than a cloth hankie, or cough into your sleeve in the crook of your arm. Avoid close contact.
Is it still worth getting the flu jab?
Flu vaccination is quite effective. In most years it is around 50%-70% effective in preventing the flu, which is considerably high. If you do still get sick, or if you get a co-infection with another virus, the flu vaccine will still reduce the severity of the disease. So, it is well worth getting.
Is the flu jab free for over 65s?
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who: are 50 and over (including those who’ll be 50 by 31 March 2022) have certain health conditions. are pregnant.
Can you take Tylenol after flu shot?
If you or your child has a sore arm or a slight fever after the vaccine, take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20.
What medications interact with flu shot?
Interaction between a vaccine and a drug has been reported only with influenza vaccine and four drugs (aminopyrine, phenytoin sodium, theophylline, and warfarin sodium), and with BCG vaccine and theophylline. Some of these interactions still are unconfirmed.
What happens if you have high blood pressure and you get Covid?
Coronavirus can also damage the heart directly, which can be especially risky if your heart is already weakened by the effects of high blood pressure. The virus may cause inflammation of the heart muscle called myocarditis, which makes it harder for the heart to pump.
Why do people get high blood pressure?
What causes high blood pressure? High blood pressure usually develops over time. It can happen because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as not getting enough regular physical activity. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and having obesity, can also increase the risk for developing high blood pressure.
Who is most likely to have side effects from Covid vaccine?
Data from the CDC also reported women were more likely to experience side effects than men, according monitoring from the first month of vaccinations. From Dec. 14 through Jan. 13, more than 79 percent of side effects were reported by women, the data showed.
When do Covid vaccine side effects begin?
12 Hours After Vaccination Other side effects may start within a few hours, or up to 12 hours after the shot. People commonly report systemic side effects, like fever, headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, and fatigue.
Does Medicare pay for senior flu shot?
Medicare covers one free flu shot each flu season at no cost to you. You can receive a flu shot from any doctor or pharmacy that accepts Medicare. People who are 65 or older are encouraged to get the flu vaccine because seniors are more susceptible to the virus than younger adults.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction to the flu shot?
Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include: Difficulty breathing. Hoarseness or wheezing. Swelling around the eyes or lips. Hives. Paleness. Weakness. A fast heart beat or dizziness.
How long is the senior flu shot effective?
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.
