Flu Risks for Seniors

As you age, your immune system weakens. This weakening makes seniors—adults 65 years and older— more susceptible to the flu.

For seniors, the seasonal flu can be very serious, even deadly. Ninety percent of flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people age 65 and older.

It is important all seniors get the flu vaccine. You have two options for vaccination: the regular dose flu shot and the high-dose shot. that results in a stronger immune response. Talk to your health care provider to decide which one is right for you.

Because you are at an increased risk of getting pneumonia, a complication of the flu, talk to your health care provider about the pneumococcal vaccine.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, you should follow our everyday steps to keep yourself healthy this flu season.

• Video: Why does being older than 65 put me at a higher risk for the flu?
• Find a place to get the flu vaccine in your area

Everybody can do their part to help prevent the spread of germs and protect themselves from the flu. Follow us on Twitter (@FluGov) for the latest information on this flu season.