What should you know about flu shot for elderly?

Ageing can change how the immune system responds to influenza, while conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or reduced immunity may make flu illness harder to manage. A clinician can review the available inactivated vaccine, previous reactions, allergies, and other injections. A flu shot does not treat an infection already underway and protection develops after vaccination.

Bring a current medicine list and vaccination record, and mention fainting, severe allergy, recent illness, or treatment that affects immunity. Afterward, keep the arm moving gently, drink fluids, and rest if tired or achy. Soreness, headache, or a mild temperature can occur. Ask a pharmacist before taking pain or fever medicine if you use blood thinners or have kidney, liver, or stomach problems.

Call a clinician if symptoms are severe, worsening, or interfering with eating, drinking, walking, or usual medicines. Get emergency help for breathing difficulty, throat or facial swelling, fainting, chest pain, sudden confusion, one-sided weakness, or severe dehydration. Do not assume new symptoms are a vaccine effect, particularly if you have several medical conditions.

Ask which vaccine is appropriate for your age and conditions, whether it can be given with other scheduled vaccines, and how to distinguish expected soreness from a serious reaction. Ask when to call if fever, weakness, or appetite changes continue.