Why is Flu Vaccine Important for Seniors Over 65?

There’s one thing we can count on, it’s that Flu season comes every year at around the same time. While it’s recommended that all people get the flu jab to help prevent getting the flu, older adults, and seniors in particular need to be especially careful. People who are 65 and older have a higher risk of developing serious complications from the influenza virus, commonly known as the flu, compared to younger adults.

At Pearl Chemist Group we’ve got you covered for flu season! Come into any of our PCG South London pharmacies for your annual flu jab.

Here’s what seniors need to know about the flu vaccination.

Safe and effective

The flu jab is safe for seniors to take and will significantly reduce your risk of catching and/or spreading the flu virus. Unlike most routine vaccinations, flu jabs have to be reformulated annually as new variants of the flu virus mutate and circulate.

Flu jabs for seniors

As we age, our immune systems can be compromised, making us more prone to catching the flu or other common illnesses. And a weakened immune system also puts seniors at a higher risk for serious complications when they have the flu. Seniors account for more than half of hospitalisations due to complications from the flu. If you are 65 years old or older, you should get the flu vaccine every year to prevent the flu and avoid serious symptoms since the vaccine can also reduce the symptoms you experience.

Benefits of the flu vaccine

The primary benefit of getting the flu jab is to prevent getting the flu and also to reducing the risk of spreading it to loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

Annual flu vaccines offer significant benefits to seniors, particularly to those at high risk for flu complications such as asthma, heart disease, and COPD. Seniors with these conditions or other ones that weaken the immune system are more likely to experience complications that could result in hospitalisation or become life-threatening.

At Pearl Chemist Group, we offer flu jabs that are up-to-date according to the latest strains. To ensure maximum protection from the flu, you must get the flu jab before flu season starts. Drop in for your seasonal Flu Jab in Tooting or Morden.

Mild and common side effects of the flu vaccine may include:

● Pain at the injection site

● Headache

● Fever

● Nausea

● Muscle aches

To schedule your flu vaccination appointment, or to learn more about the flu vaccine, contact the team at Pearl Chemist Group today. Drop in for Flu Vaccination Services in London at any of our branches – including Morden, Tooting, and others. Or, book your appointment online.