health fairs. Flu shot benefits for seniors
Seniors are at high risk for the flu each winter and are most likely to have severe complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
"For some, particularly those individuals 65 years and older, and those with chronic health problems, influenza continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality, causing 20,000-40,000 deaths each year in the U.S. alone," William Schaffner, M.D., Chairman of the Dept. of Preventitive Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn.
The best way to prevent illness and death from influenza is to get a flu shot. "Flu shots are one of the most cost-effective intervensions available. They are also one of the only health interventions proven to both reduce medical expenses and improve health among the elderly," Kathleen M. Neuzil, M.D., Adjuct Assistant Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. Her statement is supported by a 1983 Journal of American Medical Association study.
Many seniors struggled to schedule flu shot appointments and find transportation to their clinics. Most seniors found themselves standing among the masses in long lines at grocery stores and pharmacies just to receive their flu shots.