Timing of flu shots for seniors

[Deleted]

For several years, I've postponed my annual flu shot until October based on reports that, for seniors, the immune response is not as long-lasting even with the high-dose shot, and having it later means the immunity will persist through the traditional flu season which is strongest in December-February here.  

But some of my friends are being advised by their docs to have it now so that they can be at their peak immune response for an anticipated fall Covid-19 surge combined with flu season.

Thoughts and medical insights, please.  

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Have you looked into the high dose flu shot?  I don’t know much about this, but when I got my flu shot last year I saw something about it at the pharmacy.

Another alternative would be to get a flu shot early, and get boosted in Jan.  I would probably consider this option in another 10 years or so for myself, especially if we are traveling as much then as we are now.

[jerseygirl]

Heard might give seniors a second flu shot if first is early
Our doctor sends out emails when ready to give flu vaccine
I’ve always waited till mid October but will ask doctor

[Deleted]

Yes, we get the high-dose version for seniors.  I have considered the early shot followed by a booster in January although the second shot would be on us because Medicare only pays for one.  Local pharmacies offer the shot for $25 with insurance so maybe $100

[pulmonarymd]

I would get the vaccine by the end of the month. Especially important to be vaccinated this year, and to have protection prior to the holidays. IMHO

[TheOtherMe]

That is my plan.  When I picked up groceries today, the drive through tent for flu shots was being set up.  As soon as it's operating, I plan to get my shot.

The questionnaire was already mailed to any one who got a flu shot through them last year.  

[Artemis Windsong]

I got my senior flu shot last week. I told the pharmacist the I could get a booster in March. He said, don't worry about it. This is an annual flu shot.

Last year I went early October and all the senior vaccines were gone.

[Deleted]

I'll call the clinic tomorrow to see if they have the high-dose vaccine, but doubt they do.  Local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreen's have the regular but not the high-dose.  Local CVS is off my radar anyway because of armed robberies in the parking lot.  More drugs sold in their parking lot than in the store.  

[Tennesseer]

Sept 1, 2020 19:41:44 GMT -5 @donethat said:

I'll call the clinic tomorrow to see if they have the high-dose vaccine, but doubt they do.  Local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreen's have the regular but not the high-dose.  Local CVS is off my radar anyway because of armed robberies in the parking lot.  More drugs sold in their parking lot than in the store.  

I got my regular and now get my senior high-dose vaccine every year at Walgreens. I don't know if they have the high-dose vaccine on hand as of today's date but by mid-September they usually do.

[TheOtherMe]

Ad in the morning paper for flu shots at the medical clinic where I go.  Drive through will be on weekends.  Going to call them and make appointment since I have seen nothing of when the grocery store clinic opens.

[Ryan]

Hmm, didn't know that it doesn't last all the way through.  I was at the pharmacy and got mine in mid-August.  Was that too early?  I was patting myself on the back!  

[wvugurl26]

As you get older your immune system isn't as good. So the flu shot does not last as long for seniors. That's why there is a high dose senior option.

[TheOtherMe]

Appointment made for high dose shot on September 13 at the drive through clinic.  That is the first weekend for the drive through clinic.

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 2, 2020 10:32:47 GMT -5 Ryan said:

Hmm, didn't know that it doesn't last all the way through.  I was at the pharmacy and got mine in mid-August.  Was that too early?  I was patting myself on the back!  

For those younger people, you are ok.  But as you get older, your immune system wanes and you don’t get as high of an immune response, and for a shorter period.  If you are under 65, you are ok.

Interesting.....I just googled and the high dose flu vaccine has 4x the amount of antigen (active ingredient) in the vaccine as the regular flu shot.  There is also a flu shot for those older folks that contain an adjuvant to enhance immune responses.

I had no idea it took 4x the normal dose to get a comparable immune response in older people, I assumed about twice.  Yikes!

[Deleted]

My clinic's pharmacy has the high-dose in so I'll go see the vampires and tinkle in a plastic cup at the lab first and then get jabbed in the left arm downstairs.  One stop shopping is the way to go.  

[Tennesseer]

Last year I had to get the senior dose twice. First time after the needle was removed I felt something trickling down my arm and the Walgreens pharmacist wiped my arm (I never look at the needle entering my arm.) Pharmacist put a band-aid on my arm. When I got home I expected to see a little blood on the band-aid but it was clean.

I deduced it wasn't blood I felt trickling down my arm but the vaccine had leaked out of the needle hole. I remember tensing my arm muscle while administered the shot as opposed to relaxing my arm.

So I went back and told them what I felt and saw. As I am on Medicare I wondered if they would pay for the new shot. Pharmacist checked and Medicare said no problem. So got the second shot with no problem physical or cost wise.

[mollyanna58]

Interesting. I had never heard of "high dose" flu shots until this thread. Then I went to Walgreen's this afternoon for a shingles vaccine, and heard someone ask if the pharmacy had any high dose flu shots. 

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

Sept 2, 2020 17:46:24 GMT -5 mollyanna58 said:

Interesting. I had never heard of "high dose" flu shots until this thread. Then I went to Walgreen's this afternoon for a shingles vaccine, and heard someone ask if the pharmacy had any high dose flu shots. 

Thanks for reminding me.  I need to see about getting the shingles vaccine too.

[billisonboard]

What is "senior" in this situation? I am 63 1/2.

[pulmonarymd]

Sept 2, 2020 20:33:29 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

What is "senior" in this situation? I am 63 1/2.

65

[seriousthistime]

I'm waiting until the end of October.  I want to get the shot at an outdoor clinic, and that's the only one close to me.  

According to CDC guidelines, September and October are the best months.  Considering how I don't really leave the house now (curbside pickup for groceries, rare masked trips to the office to pick up or drop off work, lasting 60 seconds or less and at most I encounter one other masked person), my exposure to the flu virus is low. 

And I want to make sure my immunity lasts through a visit with my new grandchild in February. 


My doctor agrees with this plan.  

[buystoys]

I got the high dose last year because my mom had just been diagnosed with lung cancer and I was going to be her helper at least one day per week.  The last thing we wanted to do was give her the flu while she underwent chemo and radiation therapy.  I'll probably get it again this year as I do want to spend some more time with them than I have been recently.  I've cut down on my attendance at their home because I'm out and about so much right now.  Doctor's appointments a couple of times a week, therapist weekly, grocery shopping, etc.  The doctor's appointments will be reduced soon and I'll start seeing my therapist every other week again.  I'd like to get back to seeing my folks once a week when that happens.

[TheOtherMe]

buystoys  My therapy is virtual until at least the end of the year, but our cases are still on the upswing

[Deleted]

Kaiser is starting September 14. They're going to have a drive-thru tent so no need to even get out of the car. Yay.

[Anne_in_VA]

I’ll be getting the high dose shot as soon as I can.  My pharmacy didn’t have it last week but expect to get it soon.  I already got the 2nd shingles shot this summer.

My therapists office is only doing telephone visits right now and for the foreseeable future.

[Tennesseer]

Sept 4, 2020 18:24:25 GMT -5 Anne_in_VA said:

I’ll be getting the high dose shot as soon as I can.  My pharmacy didn’t have it last week but expect to get it soon.  I already got the 2nd shingles shot this summer.

My therapists office is only doing telephone visits right now and for the foreseeable future.

I had read the Shingrix shots would 'hurt' more than other types of shots. When I got the first Shingrix shot there was no 'pain'. But when I got the second shot several months later, the shot area was more tender than I have experienced before with any other type shot.

Nothing debilitating.

Curious with your experience.

[stillmovingforward]

Both of my shingles about made my arm hurt like all-get-out and le I was getting the flu for about 4 days.

I got my flu shot last Thursday. Im nervous they will run out in my area. I was at the grocery store pharmacy for my 'trump approved covid meds' (lupus drugs😁) so figured it was a good time.

[NastyWoman]

Sept 2, 2020 20:36:22 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

Sept 2, 2020 20:33:29 GMT -5 billisonboard said:

What is "senior" in this situation? I am 63 1/2.

65

Or those who have celebrated at least the 26th anniversary of their 39th birthday 

[Nazgul Girl]

   We always get ours first thing in Sept, because if we wait to long, they could run out of the vaccine.   I guess  there is no good answer.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

I got my (regular) flu shot today. Per Walgreens, if you're 65 or over, there's a higher dose shot that is recommended. If you're close to 65 but not yet 65, you might ask your doctor if the higher dose shot is a good idea.