topic Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose in Community Chat

"Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

MrsSweetieBear — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 23:32:20 GMT

I just had my birthday a couple days ago and am 66 years old. Do I have to get the higher senior dose flu shot? It's more expensive but worse, I've read it has nastier side effects. I just want the regular one. It's (the regular) $30 something at my local pharmacy. Probably less at Costco. The senior dose is $50 something and only $37 at Costco. They told me to hurry up and get down if i want it because they only have 10 shots left.

My dh got his last week and they didn't even ask him and he just got the regular one. He wants the stronger now that he knows about it. Not me.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

deepwaterdotter — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 23:34:24 GMT

Husband and I got ours at Costco for $10.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

MrsSweetieBear — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 23:38:12 GMT

@deepwaterdotter wrote:
Husband and I got ours at Costco for $10.

________________________________

Which one? And I wonder why it was only $10?

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

ValuSkr — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 23:40:31 GMT

I think you can get whatever dose you want - or none at all (which is what I do).

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

deepwaterdotter — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 23:48:43 GMT

@MrsSweetieBear wrote:
@deepwaterdotter wrote:
Husband and I got ours at Costco for $10.
________________________________

Which one? And I wonder why it was only $10?

The "regular" dose. I guess $10 is the going rate for a flu shot at the local Costco.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

151949 — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 23:54:40 GMT

The reason for the senior flu dose is because as we age our immunity system does not react as well as when we were younger so the stronger dose helps the immune system to build the needed immunity. If I was a person who had reaction to a shot I would certainly ask my doctor to test me and see what I was sensitive to in that shot so I know in the future if I should get it again. I got the enhanced flu shot and the enhanced pneumonia shot on the same day - no reaction at all.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

BeckiWV — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 23:56:09 GMT

Last year, I got the flu shot where I worked. Rite Aid came in and dosed everyone and it was covered under the firm insurance. They asked me if I wanted the regular shot or the stronger dose. I was 59. I said give me the strong stuff so they did. I never had any ill effects from it, nor did I get the flu.

This year, I got the flu shot at the my regular doctor's office. They didn't give me any option. The nurse said I was not old enough yet for the higher dose so they gave me the regular shot....

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

Stray — Sat, 24 Oct 2015 23:59:39 GMT

@MrsSweetieBear wrote:
I just had my birthday a couple days ago and am 66 years old. Do I have to get the higher senior dose flu shot? It's more expensive but worse, I've read it has nastier side effects. I just want the regular one. It's (the regular) $30 something at my local pharmacy. Probably less at Costco. The senior dose is $50 something and only $37 at Costco. They told me to hurry up and get down if i want it because they only have 10 shots left.

My dh got his last week and they didn't even ask him and he just got the regular one. He wants the stronger now that he knows about it. Not me.

There is no charge if you are on Medicare. I don't pay for mine at least in Rite Aid

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

Moonchilde — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:02:53 GMT

You don't "have" to get a particular shot based rigidly on your age, although your doctor may push the senior dose on you. They recommend the senior quadruple dose shots for those 65 and over as an arbitrary "senior" age. They are meant for those who are immune-compromised when compared to a younger, healthier demographic - those with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, etc., and/or those who get frequent colds, bronchitis, etc.

I have gotten the regular flu shots through work for many years with no issues. I'm on the young end of senior and basically healthy. I got the quadruple dose last year and did not like the side effects to that massively larger dose. This year I'm back to the regular shot. My choice.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

lynnebeme — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:06:21 GMT

I hope this helps. But, the "Senior or High dose Flu Vaccine" is for persons over the age of 65 years. It is a recommended dose not a required dose. The thinking is that due to age (over 65 years) the immune system is not functioning as well, thus puts a person over 65 years of age at high risk from complications from getting the flu. The "Senior or High Dose Flu Vaccine has 4x the amount of antigen it in so that it produces more antibodies which increases your protection from the flu. There are some side effects to the "high Dose" and you must discuss this all with your doctor.

Remember that the "Senior or High Dose Flu Vaccine" is a recommendation. The Advisory council on Vaccinations advises "that all persons over 6 months of age get a flu shot every year". No preference was given to which type.

Again, discuss this with your doctor who can give you direction based on your health and preferences.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:08:16 GMT

WOW! I always tell people I learn new things on this QVC forum all of the time. (I enjoy being here with all of you).

I had no idea there was a 'Senior Shot'. I haven't seen or heard anything about it (until now).

I've been dealing with something for at least 2 months now. The Drs (there are so far 5 different Drs involved with me) are trying to determine how to treat this 'virus'. They've been able to track it down to that.

I won't bore you with the details. Anyway, the other day the Thyroid Dr wanted to give me the flu shot but he didn't say anything about the Senior shot.

Now I'm going to do some research. I did learn that I have no immune system right now so for a few weeks no shot is happening to me.

Thanks again for the information. I've said it before but it needs repeating......"You guys rock". Thanks....Annabellethecat.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

KailaS — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:18:52 GMT

I had the senior dose two years in a row. I had no ill effects. I am 68 and a cancer patient, so I got the senior dose by choice at CVS.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

Winkk — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:25:25 GMT

I have gotten the senior flu shot the past two years. No side affects at all. I didn't pay a thing, it is covered by Medicare. You can get whatever shot you want. Just because you are over 65 doesn't mean you have to get the more potent shot.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

MrsSweetieBear — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:30:21 GMT

I don't think it's covered by Medicare if you don't have the prescription part. I just have Parts A and B I was 65 and had Medicare for my first year last year when I got the regular flu shot and I had to pay. Anyway, I will ask before I pay.

Thank you all for your answers to my question. I have the info I need now to help me make my decision. Mahalo!

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

cali-girl — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 01:46:32 GMT

I have gotten the high dose flu shot for several years, and, with Medicare, it has been free at Rite Aid.

No reaction at all--felt fine.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

Tinkrbl44 — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 01:51:22 GMT

A very dear neighbor is in the hospital right now due to a terrible reaction to the senior flu shot .... don't have any details but I heard she is very sick.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

lynnebeme — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 01:57:09 GMT

I pray that your friend will recover without complications.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

lynnebeme — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 01:58:30 GMT

Good for your Cali girl! I am glad that the choice you made worked well for you and your health! Be blessed.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

Caligurll — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 01:59:17 GMT

I got the higher dose for the first time this year, my HMO told me it was my choice so I decided to go for it. My arm was mildly sore for a few days, but no more so than with the lower dose.

Re: "Senior" Flu Shot vs the Regular Dose

feline groovy — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 04:17:20 GMT

Belated birthday wishes for good health & contentment...