Do You Need a High-Dose Flu Shot? - Everyday Health

3. The 65-and-Up Flu Shots Are Safe and Have Only Mild Side Effects, if Any

Seniors who get the higher-dose or adjuvanted standard-dose flu shots are more likely to report side effects than people who get the standard dose. Still, most people had either no side effects or mild ones that included pain or redness at the injection site, headache, muscle aches, and malaise (feeling blah).

Poland reports that he has received both the standard-dose flu shot and the higher-dose shot. Based on his experience, he doesn't think that most people will register much of a difference when it comes to side effects.

He notes that it's safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time as any type of flu shot, including the higher-dose flu shot.

Some research published in JAMA Network Open in July of this year suggests you're more likely to have (generally mild) side effects if you get a COVID-19 booster and a flu shot simultaneously, so if that's a concern, you may opt to space them out a bit.

4. The 65-and-Up Flu Shots Have a Track Record — and Are Covered by Medicare

Even though the CDC is just now recommending the 65-and-up flu shots over the standard-dose flu shots, these vaccines aren't a new thing: They've been around for years, says Poland.

If you are hearing about the higher-dose shot for the first time from your pharmacist or healthcare provider, it may be simply because this is the first year that the CDC is preferentially recommending it, along with the other vaccines designed for people 65 and older.

"That's because they have determined that the efficacy is superior, and there's a good enough supply to recommend it," says Poland. These types of vaccines are a little pricier than standard-dose vaccines, although Medicare will cover the cost for enrollees, he says.

Bottom Line: Any Flu Vaccine You're Eligible for Is Better Than No Vaccine 

"If you list them in order of preference, my first choice would be to get the high-dose vaccine; the next would be the recombinant or adjuvanted vaccine, and the last choice would be to get the standard dose vaccine — but remember, something is better than nothing," Poland says.

That's also what the CDC advises: If you're 65 or older and can't find a place that administers higher-dose flu shots or adjuvanted standard-dose shots, go ahead and get the regular standard-dose vaccine.

A flu shot has benefits even beyond lowering your risk of hospitalization or death as a result of the flu. For instance, "In people 65 or older, the benefit of getting the flu vaccine in preventing a heart attack is equal to taking a daily aspirin, taking a beta-blocker, or stopping smoking," says Poland.

Get the High-Dose Flu Shot in September or October

You can get the flu shot anytime flu viruses are circulating, but timing your shot well will give you the maximum level of protection at the peak of flu season, which is typically between December and February. Keep in mind it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection.

Because immunity may decrease more quickly in older people, it is especially important that people 65 and older not get vaccinated too early. September and October are generally good times, per the CDC. If you miss that window, it still makes sense to get vaccinated.

If you want to increase your chance of getting a flu shot designed for people 65 and up, call your primary care provider, local health department, or pharmacy before scheduling your appointment.

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