Flu Vaccine Options for Santa Clarita Seniors
As colder weather approaches, seniors have to begin considering whether or not they will receive the flu vaccine. This is especially important for seniors in Santa Clarita due to the fact that as we age, the chances of the flu resulting in a serious illness increase significantly. The good news is that there are a number of options available for seniors to consider when it comes to the flu vaccine, making the decision easier than ever before.
The options available to Santa Clarita seniors this year for the flu vaccine are highlighted here.
The Injectable Flu shot
This is more commonly referred to as just the flu shot and doesn’t contain any type of live influenza virus. The shot is strongly recommended for anyone who is older than six months and is safe for women who may be pregnant or who are actively breastfeeding. It has also been determined safe for anyone who is HIV positive and anyone who may have a compromised immune system.
If you have an allergy to eggs or any of the other ingredients that are present in the flu vaccine, such as antibiotics or gelatin, then another option for the flu vaccine should be taken.
The High Dose Injectable Flu Vaccine Designed for Seniors
Anyone over the age of 65 is at the highest risk for being affected by the flu, since the immune defenses will weaken as a person ages. Aging will also reduce the overall effectiveness of the traditional flu vaccine. In reference to a number of studies, elderly individuals produce up to 75 percent less antibodies, which are responsible for protecting against the antigens in the vaccine than younger individuals.
The Fluzone High-Dose is a type of injected vaccine, which is designed for seniors who are over the age of 65 or older. This is considered a trivalent, which is an inactive virus and it contains up to four times more actual flu vaccine antigen than what is present in the traditional flu vaccine.
The Egg Free Flu Vaccine
This vaccine was first approved in 2013 and is an option of the flu vaccine that does not include any type of eggs or antibiotics or the flu virus. It is also completely free from any type of latex, gelatin or thimerosal. The vaccine has been approved for anyone between the ages of 18 up to 49.
The Nasal Spray Vaccine
This option is not suggested for seniors, and is an option that is highly recommended for children between the ages of two and eight. However, adults up to the age of 49 have also been approved to take this option of the vaccine.
Knowing the options can help seniors make the decision that is best for them. Taking preventative measures to stop the flu from developing during colder months is essential to maintain health. When you contact Comfort Keepers in Santa Clarita, our in-home caregivers will help ensure seniors make appointments and receive the flu vaccine to help keep them well throughout the colder months.
Comfort Keepers
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200
