December 2-6 is National Influenza Vaccination Week
It’s not too late to safeguard against the flu
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is observed every December to remind everyone that there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu. Since flu viruses are constantly changing and protection from vaccination decreases over time, getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk. Flu season is far from over in December, and getting vaccinated later in the season can still safeguard your health and the health of those around you.
Benefits of flu vaccination for seniors
Flu vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including seniors. As people age, their immune systems weaken, making it more difficult to fight off infections. Flu vaccines prevent millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. The vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness and its potentially serious consequences in older adults. They can also lessen the severity of symptoms if one does contract the flu.
Healthcare providers often offer specific formulations of the flu vaccine for seniors that are designed to provide better protection. These can include higher-dose vaccines or those with adjuvants, which are ingredients added to the vaccine to create a stronger immune response.
And the flu shot doesn’t just protect against the flu. According to the AARP, researchers analyzed data from nearly 936,000 patients age 65 and older who received the flu vaccine and compared it to the same number of patients of the same age who didn’t. The study showed that patients who received at least one flu shot were 40 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to their unvaccinated counterparts.
Benefits for other populations
In addition to seniors, young children and individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease should prioritize getting their flu shot. These individuals are more susceptible to severe flu complications, which can lead to prolonged illness, hospitalization, or even death. By getting vaccinated, they significantly reduce their risk of these outcomes.
For families with young children, flu shots are especially crucial, as children under the age of five are at a higher risk for severe flu-related complications. Vaccination not only protects the children themselves but also helps prevent the spread of flu to other family members and the community. Flu vaccination during pregnancy also helps protect from flu during and after pregnancy and helps protect babies from flu in their first few months of life.
Benefits for our communities
Ultimately, flu vaccination is a critical part of public health, offering protection to individuals and communities alike. As part of a comprehensive approach to disease prevention, it helps ensure that everyone can enjoy a healthier, more resilient life throughout the flu season and beyond. Remember, by getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself but also contributing to the health and safety of your entire community.
Dr. Ken Sebastianelli has served as Medical Director for Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab, a Jewish Senior Life Community, since 2012. Dr. Sebastianelli is a board-certified Internal Medicine practitioner with Prime Med Medical Group, and is affiliated with Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital. He is also a member of the Medical Executive Committee at Geisinger Community Medical Center.
