Flu shot

[Lionel Mandrake]

They have been available for about a month. There is no shortage this year.

The earlier you get your flu shot, the better you are protected.

The older you are, the more you need it.

It's free if you have Medicare part B.

I got mine this morning at a local drug store. The place was practically deserted. I didn't have to wait.

[LaurenG]

1. There is a flu new high dose vaccine for the 65 and older crowd this year too

It costs a bit more but seems to protect better.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/qa_fluzone.htm

[Lionel Mandrake]

2. Interesting.

Thanks for posting this. I might have opted for the higher dose had I known about it.

[LaurenG]

3. THey have an ongoing study of it's effectiveness. The results are expected in 2012

Data from clinical trials comparing Fluzone to Fluzone High-Dose among persons aged 65 years or older indicate that a stronger immune response (i.e. higher antibody levels) occurs after vaccination with Fluzone High-Dose. Whether or not the improved immune response leads to greater protection against influenza disease after vaccination is not yet known. An ongoing study designed to determine the effectiveness of Fluzone High-Dose in preventing illness from influenza compared to Fluzone is expected to be completed in 2012.

[Lionel Mandrake]

4. Yes, I read that.

I would expect that a stronger immune response would imply greater protection, but we won't know for sure until the ongoing study is completed.

[lizziegrace]

6. Lauren, I wonder if they would give the high dose vaccination

to those in high-risk groups?

In the past, the flu has made several serious attempts to kill me (and that's after getting a flu shot)

[LaurenG]

10. I'll pm you but unless you have a compromised immune system

it probably wouldn't be more helpful anyway. People over the age of 65 don't have the immunity they did when younger so that's why it looks so hopeful for that age group. I haven't read any studies on immunocompromised people outside of the 65 and older age bracket.

Also, remember that the flu vaccine was started last year so the strains included may not be the actual flu that goes around this year. It's a good guess that it will cover what comes around but they never know what flu strain we're going to get until flu season gets underway.

[applegrove]

5. When I was a smoker I used to get a bad case of bronchitis at least once a year. As soon as I got

flu shot that annual bout with bronchitis stopped. I really recommend getting the shot.

[WolverineDG]

7. I just walked into Walgreens the other day to get one

Thought it was a bit early, but my doctor insists I get a flu shot every year now (among a couple of others) since my spleen was removed. Prior to that, I had gotten them off & on ever since I got smacked hard by the flu in the 90s. OMG, it is not something I ever want to go through again, nor would I wish it on anyone. Don't know what strain that one was, but thank God I'm now immune to it. :)

I was driving by, saw the sign, had a few minutes to kill anyway, so went in & got it. Now hopefully I'm good to go. :) Since I don't have insurance, I had to pay, but only $29 (up from $25 last year)

dg

[hobbit709]

8. The only 3 times I had the flu was the 3 times I got the shot.

They worked.

[supernova]

9. We go ours on Saturday

too. No line; didn't have to wait.

[Deep13]

11. I get one every year. nt

[TZ]

12. The only reason I haven't had mine yet is some on going health issues

which I want to clear up first...:hi:

[Deep13]

13. Hope you're doing better.

:hi:

[TZ]

14. I feel okay.

Tomorrow I have yet ANOTHER blood draw. *sigh*.
BTW, It was great seeing you and Giz again! Glad you came down!

[Deep13]

15. We were happy you could join us for awhile.

We had a great time.

[old mark]

16. Got mine yesterday at the closest CVS. I'm good for the year now. nt