Older Adults Encouraged to Get Annual Flu Shot

 

Last updated 1/22/2016 at 3:53pm | View PDF



Anthem Inc. encourages older adults to get their annual flu shot this year… even after the problems with last year's flu shot.

Last year's flu vaccine wasn't as effective as usual, resulting in the highest hospitalization rate for the flu among seniors ever documented. But that doesn't mean this year's shot should be neglected, according to Dr. Richard Frank, medical director for Medicare products at Anthem Inc.

Frank said the flu strain mutated after last year's vaccine was developed. This year's shot has been designed to manage that mutation, which makes public health experts optimistic that it will be much more effective in stopping the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease.

“The flu vaccine can help people avoid months of potential complications and even hospitalization,” said Frank. “It is one of the best things seniors can do to take control and remain healthy this flu season.”


For more information about the dangers of flu and the benefits of vaccinations, talk to a health care provider or visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu. To find the nearest place to get a flu shot, visit http://www.vaccines.gov and type in your ZIP code on the vaccine finder.

 

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