The flu isn’t fun for anyone, but it can be particularly nasty for those over the age of 65, who account for roughly nine of 10 flu-related deaths in the country and six of 10 flu-related hospital stays.
Seniors: Take your best shot at staying healthy this season, by getting your flu shot at the Oct. 8 Flu + You education event and vaccination clinic, sponsored by the Pima Council on Aging, the Pima County Health Department and the National Council on Aging.
Flu vaccines are a covered Medicare Part B benefit, with no copay. Please bring your Medicare ID card or applicable insurance card to the Flu + You event to receive your flu vaccination.
The event will take place Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road.
Health care providers will be on hand to answer questions about the flu and vaccine options, as well as to provide flu shots to adults 65 years of age and older.
In the Tucson area, there are more than 62,000 adults 65 or older – about 11 percent of the population. But only an estimated 58 percent were vaccinated during the last flu season.
The fact is, no matter how healthy or youthful someone feels, immune systems typically weaken with age. The single best way for older adults to protect themselves against the flu is by getting vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Several vaccine options are available for older adults, including a higher dose flu vaccine designed specifically to address the age-related decline of the immune system.
To learn more about the risks for flu in older adults, and to view resources from the Flu + You campaign, including a television PSA with actor Lee Majors, best known for his iconic role in The Six Million Dollar Man, please visit
www.NCOA.org/Flu.