Seniors over 85 years old do benefit significantly from getting annual flu shots, and these vaccinations are especially important for this age group due to their increased vulnerability to influenza and its complications. As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making it harder for their bodies to fight off infections like the flu. This means that seniors over 85 are at a much higher risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and even death from influenza compared to younger adults.
The flu vaccine helps reduce the risk of catching the flu, and if a vaccinated senior does get infected, the vaccine often lessens the severity of symptoms. This can mean fewer hospital stays, less need for intensive care, and a quicker recovery. For seniors, who often have other chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung problems, the flu can exacerbate these issues, leading to serious complications. Annual vaccination is a key preventive measure to protect their health and maintain their quality of life.
Older adults, especially those over 85, are recommended to get their flu shots early in the fall, typically in September or October. This timing helps ensure that their immunity is strongest during the peak flu season, which usually runs from December through February. Because the flu virus changes every year, the vaccine is updated annually to target the most common strains expected that season. This is why getting vaccinated every year is crucial rather than relying on past vaccinations.
While the immune response to the flu vaccine may be somewhat weaker in the very elderly compared to younger adults, even partial protection is valuable. Studies show that vaccination can reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths in older adults. For example, a large portion of flu-related deaths—between 70% and 85%—occur in people aged 65 and older, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination in this group. The vaccine also helps reduce the burden on healthcare systems by preventing severe cases that require hospitalization.
In addition to the flu vaccine, seniors over 85 are often advised to receive other vaccines such as those for pneumonia, shingles, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can also cause serious illness in older adults. These vaccines work together to provide broader protection against respiratory infections that can be life-threatening in this age group.
It is important for seniors and their caregivers to discuss vaccination plans with healthcare providers, especially if there are concerns such as allergies, previous severe reactions to vaccines, or current illnesses. Generally, the benefits of flu vaccination far outweigh the risks for senior
