Immunizations are important for seniors.
According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, vaccines are especially important for older adults. As individuals age, the immune system weakens and can make it difficult to fight off infections, which can make it more likely to get diseases like the flu, pneumonia and shingles — and to have complications that can lead to long-term illness, hospitalization and even death.
Dr. Tara Ostrom, Optum medical director, recommends seniors get the flu shot annually. Adding it is more important to some seniors with medical conditions and recommends getting the vaccine in September or October, before flu season begins.
