My 87-year-old mother moved in with us this past summer. She is still fairly active and independent, but is no longer safe on her own. I’m trying to convince her to get a flu shot. Since she had it last year, she doesn’t want to get it again. Mom thinks that if she gets it every few years, she will be fine.
My concern this year is that, now that she is living with us, she will be around many more people than she is used to interacting with during flu season. We have three teenagers, and their friends are here frequently. I think it will increase the likelihood of her getting sick if she doesn’t get the flu vaccine.
Should I keep trying to convince her, or is it really only necessary to get the shot every few years?
Why Annual Flu Shots Are Necessary
Yes, you should absolutely continue encouraging your mother to get an annual flu shot, and here’s why:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions. This isn’t just a general suggestion; it’s particularly critical for people like your mother who are 65 and older and considered high risk for the flu and associated complications.
Your mother’s belief that getting the flu shot “every few years” is sufficient is a common misconception, but it’s not medically accurate. Here’s the key point: The flu virus mutates, which is why new vaccines must be developed every flu season. Each year’s vaccine is specifically designed to protect against the strains expected to circulate that season.
Special Considerations for Seniors
Enhanced Vaccines for Better Protection
Here’s something important you should know: Seniors 65 and older should receive higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines rather than standard-dose vaccines. These enhanced vaccines are specifically designed because older adults:
- Are at greater risk of flu-related complications and death
- Have immune systems that are less responsive to standard flu shots
- Need the extra boost these specialized vaccines provide
Why Age Matters for the Flu Vaccine
Your concern about increased exposure is absolutely valid. People 65 years and older are at substantially higher risk of serious flu complications, and the statistics are sobering:
- Older adults account for the majority of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths each year
- Their immune systems don’t respond as robustly to infection, making prevention through vaccination even more important
When to Get Vaccinated
The best time to receive a flu vaccine is in the fall, though getting vaccinated later in the season still provides protection. Annual flu vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and its potentially serious complications. The vaccine can help prevent hospitalizations and severe illness, and may reduce the risk of flu-related death.
The Bottom Line
Don’t give up on convincing your mother or an aging loved one to get an annual flu vaccine. Consider discussing this with their primary care physician, who can explain the medical necessity of annual vaccination and recommend the appropriate dose for their age group.
For more information about flu vaccination for seniors, visit the CDC’s website on Flu and People 65 Years and Older.
