Hey There Old Folks--Have You Had Your Flu Shot?

I get it every year as my employer will not allow me to work without getting it. However, I will continue to get it even after I retire. I've seen way too many bad things happening to old folks who don't .
 
Flu shots are so important!

People aged 65 and over are at an increased risk from complications related to the flu. There will be over 200,000 flu related hospitalizations this flu season. Medicare recipients can get the flu shot for no copay, so there is no reason not to be vaccinated yearly if it is recommended by your doctor. You don't even need to make a doctors appointment to be given a flu shot. There are clinics held all over: drug stores, big box stores, senior centers and doctors offices.
In 2008, only 73% of Medicare benificiaries received flu shots. We need to get this number closer to 100% to help prevent hospitalizations and deaths related to the flu.

Lochner, K., & Wynne, M. (2011). Flu shots and the characteristics of unvaccinated elderly Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare & Medicaid Research Review, 1(4), Medicare & medicaid research review, 2011, Vol.1(4).
 
After having had the real flu several years ago, I am a BIG believer in the flu shot. I've never been so sick,and anything that lowers the odds of getting that sick again is definitely on my "must do" list. The real flu -- most people call a really bad cold the flu, but it's NOT -- is nothing to be trifled with.
 
The experts are saying the flu that is coming is very bad , early and especially bad for seniors, so yes we got our shots nearly a month ago.
 
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