Flu Shots for Seniors: Complete Vaccination Guide for Older Adults

With age, our immune systems can change, making us more susceptible to illnesses such as the seasonal flu. Older adults are also more likely to have health conditions that can make it more dangerous for them to come down with the flu. For this reason, it’s generally recommended that adults over the age of 65 get the flu shot each year.

In this article, we’ll go over why flu shots for seniors are important. We’ll also provide details about where you can get the flu shot and debunk some common myths about flu shots.

Key takeaways

• High-dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines offer greater protection for seniors against the flu.

• Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per flu season.

• Seniors with chronic conditions, those who are immunocompromised, and people in long-term care facilities are most at risk for flu complications.  

Why seniors need flu vaccines

While everyone is at risk of catching the flu, seniors are at greater risk of serious flu complications, such as pneumonia and hospitalization. In fact, 50%-70% of people hospitalized for the flu are 65 or older. Getting vaccinated against the flu can help reduce your risk of getting sick and developing complications. 

Types of flu vaccines recommended for seniors

The immune system changes with age, meaning that the body doesn’t always respond to vaccines the way that it once did. For this reason, it’s recommended that seniors get either the high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine. 

High-dose flu vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose)

The high-dose flu shot for the elderly contains four times the amount of antigen as the standard-dose flu vaccine. The antigen is the ingredient that triggers the immune response, building up antibodies to fight off the flu virus. This higher dose gives a better immune system response. High-dose flu vaccines are inactivated, which means they contain a dead virus strain as the antigen. 

Adjuvanted flu vaccine (Fluad)

The adjuvanted flu vaccine contains the same amount of antigen as the standard-dose flu vaccine. But it also includes an ingredient called an adjuvant, which helps the body develop a better immune response to the vaccine. Similar to high-dose flu vaccines, adjuvanted flu vaccines, too, are inactivated. 

Standard flu vaccines and effectiveness comparison

Evidence shows that annual flu vaccines for adults 65 and older can reduce the risk of serious illness. For example, one study found that the high-dose flu vaccine is 24% more effective in preventing the flu for adults aged 65 and older compared to the standard vaccine.

Which vaccine is best for different health conditions

When seniors should get flu shots

It’s recommended that seniors get flu shots once per year. The best time to get vaccinated is in September or October, around the beginning of the flu season. It’s not recommended to get vaccinated early because protection can decrease over time.

Medicare coverage for senior flu shots

Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per season for people aged 65 and older. If your doctor accepts assignment, you won’t be charged for a flu shot.

Effectiveness and safety of flu vaccines in seniors

While flu vaccines can be less effective in seniors than younger adults, they’re still effective at preventing complications from the flu, reducing the number of doctor’s visits and hospitalizations.

Elderly flu vaccine effectiveness can change each season. However, in 2024-2025, the vaccine was 51% effective against flu-related upper respiratory infections in outpatient settings for adults 65 and older.

Flu vaccines are generally considered very safe. Serious allergic reactions are rare, impacting 1.35 per million doses. 

Where seniors can get flu shots

There are several convenient locations to get a flu shot. Before making an appointment, check whether there is any cost and if they offer Medicare flu shot coverage.

Primary care physician offices

Many doctors’ offices offer flu shots. It’s best to contact your doctor’s office to see if they have flu vaccines available.

Pharmacies and retail clinics

Many pharmacies, including CVS MinuteClinic and Walgreens, give flu shots. You can use Vaccines.gov to find pharmacies and clinics near you where you can get a flu shot. 

Senior centers and community health fairs

Many senior centers, churches, synagogues, and community centers hold flu shot clinics each flu season.  

Medicare-approved providers

If your doctor accepts assignment, you can get your flu shot covered at their office. If you’re getting a senior flu vaccine from a Medicare-approved provider, ensure that you bring your Medicare card to your appointment. 

Special considerations for seniors

In some cases, there are special considerations that should be made before getting a flu shot. Talking about senior flu shot timing with your doctor can help maximize effectiveness.

Seniors with chronic conditions

For seniors with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), getting a flu shot is especially important. These conditions can make you more likely to have complications if you do catch the flu, and the flu can also make these conditions worse.

Immunocompromised older adults

Immunocompromised older adults are more likely to face flu complications. They may also have a harder time making the antibodies that protect them against the flu. It is recommended that older adults who are immunocompromised receive a high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine. Health experts also suggest that close contacts and caregivers receive vaccinations.

Seniors in long-term care facilities

Seniors in long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable to the flu. They tend to be older, have multiple health conditions, and live in close contact with others. A high-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine is recommended.

Timing with other routine vaccines

In most cases, healthcare providers administer routine vaccines, which are inactive, at the same time as a flu shot, either in different arms or in different places on the same arm. However, for some older adults who are immunocompromised, their healthcare provider might recommend spacing out their vaccinations to prevent complications and enhance vaccine effectiveness.

Preparing for your flu shot appointment

When heading to your flu shot appointment, it’s best to dress in loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves. This makes it easy for the healthcare provider to administer your shot. If you’re experiencing any cold or flu symptoms, let them know. In some cases, they may prefer you wait to get better before taking your vaccine.

You often need to fill out consent forms before your vaccination and may need to wait for around 15 minutes after getting the shot to ensure you don’t develop any serious side effects. Factoring this time into your day can help your experience go smoother.

There are also other respiratory viruses that are different from the flu but can still cause serious complications. You can inquire about getting these vaccines at the same time as your flu shot:

• Updated COVID-19, recommended for everyone aged 18 and older. This vaccine is covered for seniors on Medicare.

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), recommended for adults aged 75 and older and adults aged 50-74 who are at higher risk of severe illness. Although not covered under Original Medicare, Medicare Part D (prescription drug insurance) covers this. 

• Pneumococcal, recommended for adults aged 50 and older. This vaccine is also covered for seniors on Medicare.

Myths and facts about senior flu vaccines

Myth: Flu shots can cause the flu.

Truth: Flu shots designed for seniors contain an inactivated form of the flu virus. The vaccine can cause mild side effects, such as a headache or low-grade fever. But these are signs of your immune system activating, not symptoms of the flu.

Myth: Healthy people don’t need the flu vaccine.

Truth: Even healthy people can get the flu, and being over the age of 65 raises your risk of developing complications from the flu. Getting the flu vaccine also helps protect those who may be more vulnerable, such as immunocompromised individuals or infants.

Myth: Once you get the flu shot, you’re protected for life.

Truth: You need to get the flu shot each year because the flu virus changes each year. Scientists change the flu vaccine to match the current strains of the virus.

Myth: The flu shot isn’t effective.

Truth: The flu shot can lower your chances of catching the flu. Even if you do catch it, the symptoms would most likely be mild and manageable. As a result, it helps prevent serious complications that could lead to hospitalization. 

Bottom line

For most seniors, it’s recommended to get the high-dose or adjuvanted flu shot each year, preferably at the beginning of the flu season. Although it can cause mild side effects like headaches and a sore arm, it can reduce your risk of developing severe complications from the flu that can require hospitalization. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for more guidance on when to get your flu vaccine this year.

Frequently asked questions

Do seniors get a different flu shot than younger adults?

Yes, it’s usually recommended that seniors get a higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine. This is because their immune system changes as they age, and these vaccines can offer more protection than a standard dose.

Is the flu shot free for Medicare recipients?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per flu season.

When is the best time for seniors to get flu shots?

September and October are usually recommended as the best times to get a flu shot.

Can I get a flu shot if I’m already feeling sick?

In most cases, it’s usually okay to get a flu shot if you have a mild illness, like a cold. If you have more moderate-to-severe symptoms, like a fever, it’s usually recommended to wait until you are feeling better. If you’re not feeling well on the day that you’re scheduled to get your vaccine, let your healthcare provider know.

How effective is the flu vaccine in people over 65?

The flu shot is fairly effective in people in this age group. The high-dose and adjuvanted senior flu vaccines are the most effective.

What side effects should seniors expect from flu shots?

The most common side effects are pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. You might also experience headaches, muscle aches, fever, or fatigue. These usually occur in the first few days after the vaccination. Serious side effects are rare.

Sources

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