It’s time for your flu shot — the best way for older adults to protect their health | Opinion
Falling temperatures mean illnesses such as the common cold, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, are starting to spread across the city. Combined with the still-present COVID-19 virus, these illnesses can lead to hospitalization for older adults, especially in those already diagnosed with heart and lung conditions or who are otherwise immunocompromised. This means it’s time to think about how these people will protect their health this winter. Getting the flu shot is one of the best ways to do so.
Last year, Kansas City saw an early start to the flu. By the end of November, the city’s hospitals had reported nearly 2,000 cases. This year, local hospitals have started to see an uptick in hospitalizations for COVID-19, and state data from both Kansas and Missouri show the virus is likely to spread this fall.
This data confirms how important it is for vulnerable seniors to receive their flu shot as soon as possible.
I’ve seen patients for more than 20 years in the Midwest and have heard a variety of concerns about the flu vaccine. The most common worry I’ve encountered is that the shot will give you the flu. While there can be mild side effects from the flu shot such as fever, aches or fatigue, the vaccine itself will not give you the flu. In fact, adults who get the flu shot are much less likely to get the flu.
Although no vaccine prevents illness 100% of the time, if you are vaccinated and still get the flu, you are much more likely to have a mild case of the illness. Last year’s data showed that the flu vaccination significantly reduced flu-related hospitalization among adults.
Of course, you should talk with your personal primary care doctor about how the vaccine fits into your care plan. If you are over 60 years old and on Medicare, medical professionals are available to answer questions about the flu shot and other health concerns specific to older adults — including from primary care providers at my company, ArchWell Health, with three locations across the city.
If you are a senior with a respiratory or heart condition such as COPD, asthma or a heart condition, or are actively receiving cancer treatments that make you immunocompromised, your doctor may also suggest you receive the RSV vaccine. For the first time, the RSV vaccine is available to older adults to protect them against this viral illness that can lead to pneumonia and hospitalization. Our primary care providers are thrilled to offer this extra layer of protection to at-risk older adults this season.
Many local pharmacies and grocery stores make it easy to get your yearly vaccines as well. The Kansas City Health Department also hosts a clinic where you can get your flu shot for free or at a very low cost. Pharmacies and grocery stores across the city will also have the latest COVID-19 booster shot available.
Keeping Kansas City healthy this winter is a community effort. Getting the annual flu shot and other important vaccines is a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones.