Influenza Shots: A Must for Seniors
It is that time of year again. Yep, cold and flu season. Which means, it is also time for you to get your annual flu shot.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an online article entitled, Immunizations for Adults, “the most common causes of death, pneumonia and influenza remain among the top ten causes of death for older adults. In 2000, pneumonia and influenza were responsible for 3.3% or 58,557 deaths among people 65 years of age and older.”
According to NBC’s Today Show, “The single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu is to get vaccinated.” The online report also explains that, “more than 110 million doses of vaccine against regular winter flu are expected this year, according to a new estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
People who fall into the following groups should ensure they are vaccinated:
- Adults 50 and older.
- All children ages 6 months to 18 years.
- Pregnant women.
- People of any age with chronic health problems like asthma, heart disease or a weakened immune system.
- Health workers.
- Caregivers of the high-risk
The CDC online article, also explains, that “among person [sic] aged 65 years and older, influenza vaccination levels have increased from 33% in 1989 to 66% in 1999, surpassing the Healthy People 2000 goal of 60%. “
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