Vaccine Information for People 65 and Older

If you are 65 or older, you may be wondering why you are not being offered the new vaccine against H1N1 influenza before anyone else. You may be concerned or even upset because you have always heard that people in your age group are at highest risk of serious illness if they get the flu. That is true for regular, seasonal flu, which is why you should get your seasonal flu shot without delay. But based on what was learned during the spring 2009 outbreak of H1N1, people 65 and older are LEAST likely to get sick from H1N1 flu. Older persons may have some immunity to H1N1 influenza; that means you may be less vulnerable to this new strain of flu.

The people who are most vulnerable to H1N1 influenza are pregnant women; those ages 6 months through 24 years; and adults ages 25 through 64 with an underlying medical condition that puts them at high risk for complications from influenza. These are the groups in which the most hospitalizations and deaths have occurred. As H1N1 vaccine is manufactured and delivered, it will go first to the people in these groups who want it. After that, as more vaccine becomes available, everyone else will be able to get the vaccine.

What should you do?

Get your seasonal flu shot NOW for protection against the flu viruses that pose the highest risk to you. Seasonal flu will be circulating this flu season along with H1N1 flu. Once the H1N1 influenza vaccine becomes generally available, talk to your doctor about whether you should get the new vaccine, too.

Do this, too

Take these everyday steps to prevent the spread of germs and reduce your risk of getting or spreading the flu:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or sneeze into your sleeve – not your hands. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based gel hand cleaners are also good to use if you are not near a sink.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Stay at least six feet away from someone who is coughing or sneezing.

Watch for flu symptoms

Symptoms of seasonal flu include: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. If you get flu-like symptoms, stay home, limit contact with others, and call your doctor right away. Your doctor will decide if treatment is needed.

More information about the flu is available at www.nyhealth.gov and www.flu.gov.